Medical displaceable contouring mechanism

ABSTRACT

One aspect relates to reducing a pressure differential across one or more supporting surfaces of a body surface of an individual at least partially by displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit to at least partially conform to one or more contours of the body surface of the individual. Certain aspects can relate to stabilizing at least the one or more supporting surfaces of the body surface of the individual at least partially with at least one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit Other aspects can relate to relatively displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit with respect to a medical device portion based at least in part on a contour of an individual to support at least a portion of the individual while limiting pressure applied to the individual.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure can relate to, but is not limited to, certainembodiments of medical displaceable contouring mechanisms, and/orassociated techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a medical displaceablecontouring mechanism that can include at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s);

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism ofFIG. 1 with certain ones of the displaceable contouring unit(s) beingdisplaced;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism ofFIG. 1 or 2 with an individual (e.g., a person or animal) restingthereupon;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of one embodiment of a number of the displaceablecontouring unit(s);

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceable contouringunit(s);

FIG. 7 is a diagram of still another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit(s);

FIG. 8 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit(s);

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceable contouringunit(s);

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment of a number of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) being displaced to adapt to a contour (such as thatof an individual);

FIG. 11 is a diagram of another embodiment of a number of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) being displaced to adapt to a contour(such as that of an individual);

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of a number of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) being displaced to adapt to a contour(such as that of an individual);

FIG. 13 is a diagram of another embodiment of a number of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) being displaced to adapt to anothercontour;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a number of the displaceable contouring unit(s)as described with respect to FIG. 14 being configured to form anotherembodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of still another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit as applied to an individual in its open position;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the embodiment of the displaceable contouringunit of FIG. 18 in its closed position;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of still another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of one of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s);

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional diagram of yet another embodiment of one ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s);

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional diagram of yet another embodiment of one ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s);

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism;

FIG. 26 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism that can be configured to at least partiallystabilize at least a portion of the individual;

FIG. 27 shows a cross section of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 shows a diagram of another embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism that can be configured to at leastpartially stabilize at least a portion of the individual;

FIG. 29 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism that can be configured to at least partiallystabilize at least a portion of the individual;

FIG. 30 is a diagram of one embodiment of a contour detector;

FIG. 31 is a diagram of another embodiment of the contour detector;

FIG. 32 is a diagram of another embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism;

FIG. 33 is a diagram of another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 35 is a diagram of still another embodiment of the displaceablecontouring unit in an un-extended position;

FIG. 36 is a diagram of the embodiment of the displaceable contouringunit of FIG. 35 in an extended position;

FIG. 37 is a diagram of another embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism;

FIG. 38 is a diagram of the embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism of FIG. 37 being positioned relative to a contourof the individual;

FIG. 39 is a diagram of another embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism;

FIG. 40 is a diagram of still another embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism;

FIG. 41 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism;

FIG. 42 is a diagram of the embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism of FIG. 41 in a varied position;

FIG. 43 is a diagram of one embodiment of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit;

FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a high-level flow chart of one embodimentof one embodiment of a medical differential pressure reduction techniquesuch as can be performed by the at least one displaceable contouringunit of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a diagram of another embodiment of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit;

FIG. 46 is a block diagram of a high-level flow chart of anotherembodiment of one embodiment of a medical differential pressurereduction technique such as can be performed by the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a diagram of another embodiment of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit;

FIG. 48 (including FIGS. 48 a and 48 b) is a block diagram of ahigh-level flow chart of another embodiment of one embodiment of amedical differential pressure reduction technique such as can beperformed by the at least one displaceable contouring unit of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a diagram of another embodiment of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit;

FIG. 50 is a block diagram of a high-level flow chart of anotherembodiment of one embodiment of a medical differential pressurereduction technique such as can be performed by the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a diagram of another embodiment of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit; and

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of a high-level flow chart of anotherembodiment of one embodiment of a medical differential pressurereduction technique such as can be performed by the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit of FIG. 51.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least certain portions of the text of this disclosure (e.g., claimsand/or detailed description and/or drawings as set forth herein)describe a medical displaceable contouring mechanism that can beconfigured to reduce a pressure differential between a number of supportmechanisms as included therein, as set forth by various different claimgroupings and/or various different applications. Although, for sake ofconvenience and understanding, the detailed description can includesection headings that may generally track various different conceptsassociated with claims or general concepts contained therein, and is notintended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth by eachparticular claim. It is to be understood that equalizing the pressuredifferential across the support mechanisms for the various applicationsor portions thereof thereby can appear throughout the text and/ordrawings at one or more locations, irrespective of the section headings.

1. CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE MEDICAL DISPLACEABLE CONTOURING MECHANISM

This disclosure describes a number of embodiments of, and a number ofaspects of, certain embodiments of a medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 (such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3) that can beconfigured to provide support for an individual 106, which may be ahuman or alternatively an animal or living organism. Certainapplications of the different embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 may be directed to clinical applications, suchas for patients in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, doctor's offices,etc., while other applications may be more non-clinical or evenhome-care environments. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 andat other locations throughout the disclosure, can be configured toinclude and/or be associated with a least one (and typically a numberof) displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 situated thereupon.

Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring units102 can be configured to be displaceable relative to an individual 106,and thereby can be operationally configured to reduce differences inpressure applied between different ones of the displaceable contouringunits 102. By reducing differences in pressure as being applied to atleast portions of the individual 106, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured to limit themaximum pressure as applied to any one location, limit the formation ofbed sores, blisters, limit reduced blood circulation, etc. Bedsores,ulcers, and the like may result when individuals are maintained inconventional operating tables, conventional hospital beds, wheelchairs,stretchers, conventional nursing home beds, as well as otherconventional beds particularly for long durations.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100as described in this disclosure can be applied to a variety ofapplications. For example, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be applied to supportmechanisms such as operating tables, hospital beds, etc. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism can beapplied to stabilizing mechanisms such as to maintain a position of atleast a portion of the individual, such as with a traction mechanism,body stabilizing mechanism, a cast-type stabilizing mechanism, etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100and/or the at least one displaceable contouring units 102 may beconfigured, designed, operated, and/or configured to perform a varietyof operations as described in this disclosure such as, but not limitedto, supportive, pressure differential reduction, and/or stabilizationfunctions. Within this disclosure, the term “displaceable contouring,”such as included in the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100,can, depending on context, pertain to the ability to displace at least aportion thereof (e.g., the at least one displaceable contouring units102) to approximate or follow the contour of the individual. The term“displaceable contouring”, such as included in the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100, can also, depending on context, indicatereducing pressure differential across only certain displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 that are being used to support at least a portionof the individual 106 (such as to limit pressure points, and otherpressure-related situations as described in this disclosure). The term“displaceable contouring,” such as allowed by certain displaceablecontour unit(s) included in the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, can, depending on context, be used, for example, tostabilize at least a portion of the individual 106 (e.g., a broken leg,etc.). In certain cases when the medical displaceable contouringmechanism stabilizes the individual, it may or may not additionallysupport the individual. In those stabilization instances where thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 do not support a portion of theindividual, the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 thereby may notapply pressure such as to be supportive to the individual, and may notapply a reduced pressure differential against the individual 106, forexample.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can include a number of the at least one displaceable contouring units102 that can provide support for the individual 106 substantially in asingle direction, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3. Forexample, at least some of the displaceable contouring units 102 canrelatively move substantially up-and-down, through a variety of angles,into a variety of positions, etc., as described with respect to certainones of the figures, to support and/or stabilize the individual 106. Bycomparison, certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring units 102 can be configured to support at least a portion ofthe individual 106 along one, two, or three substantially orthogonalaxes, as appropriate. At least certain ones of the at least one medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be either configured as anintegral portion of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100,or alternatively as an add-on or accessory such as can be secured to themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 later (such as an add-onsuch as a cast, a traction mechanism, another body part stabilizer, anadd-on oxygen mask or gas mask, a ventilator, an add-on medicator, etc.)to existing operating tables, hospital beds, cots, stretchers, tables,or the like. Since certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be configured for flexibility, certain onescan even be set on top of an existing rigid platform, table, surface,etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can involve the at least one medical displaceable contouring controller97, as described in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 4. Certainembodiments of the at least one medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97, for example, can involve displacing, positioning,actuating, moving, and/or otherwise utilizing the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s), as described in this disclosure. Inaddition, certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, or other frames or components associated therewith, canbe bent, rotated, displaced, or otherwise utilized to support certainembodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, asdescribed in this disclosure. The functionality of certain embodimentsof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can thereby belargely determined or effected by the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97.

Consider, for example, that certain conventional operating tables,hospital beds, stretchers, etc. can be bent, contoured, rotated,repositioned, etc. based at least in part on the contour of at least apart of the individual, as well as how the individual is to be supportedand/or maintained. For example, during certain back operations, certainpatients (and/or their physicians) may preferably have the individuallie face-down on an operating table such that the individual may bepositioned to curve or be bent downwardly (e.g., at the waist), as wellas being able to be positioned in a variety of configurations.Additionally, it may be desired to reposition or roll the patient,depending on the treatment or operation. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can also thereby beconfigured in a suitable shape or contour (or whose shape or contour maybe altered) as to suit the particular individual patient, physician,medical personnel, or other. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can thereby provide a desirablepositioning of the individual, while also providing for a suitabledistribution of pressure, stabilization, and/or other movements,positioning, and/or treatments to the individual as described in thisdisclosure.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can thereby be configured to be movable, bendable, and/or rotatable,etc. such as by providing a framework and/or allowing the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 that can be displaced. Alternately, certainembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be displacedrelative to each other (e.g., without a frame member) to establish adesired configuration or contour. In the instance of those embodimentsof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that are beingutilized as described in this disclosure, it may be desirable totranslate, move, rotate, or otherwise reposition the mechanism such thatit may become necessary to position, support, and/or stabilize theindividual 106, such as during an operation or procedure. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 canthereby be configured to operate and/or be displaced in combination withanother medical displaceable contouring mechanism. For example, duringcertain operations, procedures, scans, x-rays, etc., it may be desirableto limit motion by the individual 106. As such, one medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be situated along the back (posterior) ofthe individual 106; and another one can be situated substantially acrossthe front (anterior) of the individual 106 as described with respect toFIGS. 18 & 19. This sandwiching of the individual between two or moremedical displaceable contouring mechanisms 100 can thereby limitundesirable motion by the individual 106 (whether the individual isconscious or unconscious). Additional medical displacement contouringmechanisms 100 can be provided to position, support, and/or stabilize atleast a portion of the body of the individual, as well as to provide thedesired medication and/or input/output from the individual as describedin this disclosure. Similarly, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured to position ormove the individual in a wide variety of accessible locations tofacilitate certain operations, scans, and/or procedures.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can include one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that can bedevoted entirely or in part to medication (e.g., securing a druginjection mechanism, such as a syringe), anesthesiology (e.g., holding agas mask in place), and/or other accessories. For example, certainembodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 couldmaintain glasses in a position relative to the individual, oralternately provide a video display device, a computer, or othermechanism in a position that could be actuated, used, or viewed by theindividual. As such, certain embodiments of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 could be configured such that an individual with only slightmotion may be able to access a considerable amount by pressing ordisplacing certain actuators or mechanisms using varied mechanismsand/or techniques.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configurable as an operating table, a hospital bed, a stretcher,etc. Other embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100 can be configured as an accessory device such as a support orstabilizing unit, a traction mechanism, a bedpan, etc. Still otherembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can beconfigured as a separate unit such as a body part stabilizer (which canbe configured to operate as a cast for example).

The embodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 ofFIG. 1 can include, but is not limited to, one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, at least certain ones which can be displacedwith respect to the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 asdescribed in this disclosure. The at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) can be configured, as described in this disclosure, to bedisplaced as described with respect to FIG. 2 to substantially conformto the contour of the individual 106. Certain aspects of the positioningof at least some of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102can be selected based at least in part on at least one contour or shapeof the individual, based on where or how the individual is to besupported. Thereby, when the individual 106 sits or rests in contactwith respect to the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, asdescribed with respect to FIG. 3. The pressure being applied to thepressure points situated at certain portions of the outside of theindividual 106 (e.g., the skin) can thereby be reduced and/ordistributed over a number of the contouring unit(s) 102, effectivelylimiting the severity and/or the effects of the pressure points. Suchpressure-point reduction can also act to enhance blood circulation atcertain portions of the individual 106.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, as described this disclosure, can include only the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to support the individual 106. Bycomparison, certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can include a number of structures, portions, pillows,cast portions, traction mechanisms, individual stabilizing devices,support mechanisms, etc. in addition to the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. For example, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 that can be configured as ahospital bed, for example, may involve a portion thereof beingconfigured or shaped to appear similar as a hospital bed to support theindividual. Another portion of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 therefore can be configured to include the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as described in this disclosure. Assuch, certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be viewed as and may operate as a modular unit, inwhich appropriate portions, access portions, openings, support regions,add-ons, functional mechanisms, etc. are formed therein depending uponthe particulars of the individual 106, the operation, the physician,etc.

There may be a variety of additional techniques or applications forcertain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit 102, asdescribed in this disclosure. For example, certain embodiments of thedisplaceable contouring unit 102 could slowly rise or fall, therebyrelatively altering pressure and/or oscillating, vibrating, and/orproviding a desired contour, support, or stabilizer, near or at a givenlocation. Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit 102could thereby act as a localized thumper such as may generally beunderstood by pulmonary or other surgical practitioners. For instance,certain individuals such as patients having a considerable amount ofpulmonary secretions need what is referred to among those skilled insurgery as a “chest pulmonary toilet,” as generally understood bysurgeons and physicians. Certain embodiments of the displaceablecontouring unit 102 can thereby operate to reposition the individualsuch as by rolling the individual or patient on their side or fronteither by the physician or other medical personnel, or perhaps withassistance with certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit102.

As the individual or patient is situated on their front or side, eitherthe physician or other medical personnel can thereupon “whack” theircupped hand(s) at a fast rate on the back of the individual or patientfor an extended duration (e.g., 10-20 minutes) so that it will break upand clear accumulated secretions in the airway of the patient to besuctioned out via their in endotracheal tube, or certain embodiments ofthe displaceable contouring unit 102 can be configured to apply asimilar whacking action on the back of the individual or patient.Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit 102 could beconfigured to apply a similar, and highly controlled, application offorce to the individual 106 without the physician or other medicalpersonnel having to concentrate on applying force to the individual. Forinstance, certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit 102can be configured based on the physician or medical personneldetermining a region to percuss, and to perform it without excessivepatient mobilization and/or need for dedicated medical or physiciansupport.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to limit pressure induced nerve injuries. Some type ofpressure induced nerve injuries may occur in the setting of an operationwhere a patient is kept very rigidly immobile and sometimes is laying onsome nerve which gets a pressure induced neuropraxia. As such, certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can beconfigured to limit motion of the individual by “contouring” to theshape of at least a part of the individual while limiting the pressureapplied to the pressure points and other surface areas of theindividual. In certain instances, such nerve damage resulting frompressure induced nerve injuries is often temporary, but can occasionallybe permanent.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to allow the individual 106 (such as a human and/or ananimal), to be positioned into a desired position such as may beappropriate. For example, certain types of operations or procedures canbe performed using certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 in which the individual 106 can be situated ina supine position, a prone position, a lateral position, and/or anothersuitable or desirable position. During certain operations, procedures,etc., it may be desired to move the individual 106 on the operatingtable. Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 in the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 canthereby be displaced, moved, or adjusted to allow for such positioningof the individual 106, either by itself or in combination withequalizing pressure applied across at least portions of the individual106. Alternatively, certain frame members that can secure at least oneof the displaceable contouring unit(s) can be displaced, moved, oradjusted.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be removed, or moved, to create an access region 620 as describedwith respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, to thereby provide access to at leastcertain portions of the individual 106. The configuration and/orstructure of the access region 620 can vary depending, for example, onthe individual 106, the operation or procedure, and techniques of thephysician or medical personnel, structure of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100, etc. For example, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured as toprovide physicians or other medical personnel access to those areas thatthey are operating on and/or treating as desired. As such, certainembodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 (aswell as particular framework, supporting mechanisms, etc.) of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be moved, shifted,rotated, displaced, or otherwise removed from the area which the surgeonor medical personnel is attempting to access.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can include portions that allow for maintaining or adjusting relativepositioning between particular ones of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) (even if certain ones thereof have been removed,added, or adjusted). This disclosure describes a number of embodimentsof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that involvescertain ones of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) beingremoved therefrom such as to provide access to at least certain portionsof the individual.

The particular use of a number of embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 is intended to be illustrative innature but not limiting in scope. Certain ones of the concepts asdescribed in the embodiments as described in this disclosure can also beapplied to a number of other applications. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can include for example,but are not limited to: an operating table, a medical bed, a hospitalbed, an ambulance bed, a stretcher, or even a regular bed, a chair, asofa, or other piece of furniture, etc. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, however, are particularlysuited to hospital, operating room, nursing home, in-home care, andother clinical environments in which the formation of bed sores,potential injury to a portion of the individual 106, and/or desire tolimit application of excessive pressures to injured portions of theindividual 106 may be desired.

Examples of body parts that can be supported by certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 in such a manner as tolimit excessive pressures can include, but are not limited to: an entirebody as well as the components thereof, an arm, leg, torso, head, spine,etc. Limiting pressure differential as applied to certain body parts ofthe individual 106, may alternatively tend to equalize support fordifferent body parts can be provided in combination or separately usingcertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can also be configured to stabilize a body part or theentire body of the individual 106, and as such can act in a similarmanner, though perhaps to be less rigid and/or more comfortable than,for example, a cast or other type of pressure equalizing support.

By reducing the pressure applied by certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 as applied to certain individuals106 such as humans or animals, certain ones of the individuals 106 canexperience improved blood circulation throughout their body, limitedpressure points, improved rest, improved sleep, etc. at least partiallyin response to displacement of the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 that can upon displacement become more closely contoured toat least parts of the individual 106 to more evenly support at leastparts of the individual.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured, and/or intended, for a variety of applications. Forexample, certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be utilized within a hospital, either for in-patient,out-patient, operating room, or other applications. Certain embodimentsof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism can be applied toambulance, emergency medical treatment, translatory, air-transfer,medical evacuation, ski patrol, disaster, or other such applications.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism canbe applied to home or office (e.g., doctor's office) applications,either for individuals 106 that are being home-cared, or even those withinjuries or healthy individuals 106 who can use some treatment.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be customized based upon such factors that can include, but are notlimited to: the individual's 106 injury; the individual's size, weight,height, shape, etc.; the physician's or other medical personnel'streatment technique; the individual's treatment regimen; and thoseparticular treatments or activities that may occur in the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, for example, can beconfigured for a particular patient and injury and/or treatment; and thepatient can thereupon also be transferred, treated, maintained, etc. incertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism.Consider, for example, the case of a remote accident or injury, certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can beformed are positioned relative to the individual 106 at the site of theaccident or injury. The individual 106 can thereupon be transferredwithin the ambulance or other vehicle while being stabilized by themedical displaceable contouring mechanism. The individual 106 canthereupon be transferred to a hospital, doctor's office, etc. whilebeing stabilized by certain embodiments of the adaptive medialdisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. If the physician or other medicalpersonnel determines that the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100 should be removed, changed, modified, replaced, and/or altered, theycan do so at their desire, leisure, or as they consider appropriate.Removal and/or displacement of at least certain ones of the displaceablecontour unit(s) 102 relative to certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can allow for relatively easycleaning of either the displaceable contour unit(s) and/or the medialdisplaceable contouring mechanism, which may be particularly desirablefor bed-ridden, intensive care, or other individuals.

As described in this disclosure, certain embodiments of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can support or stabilize aninstantaneous under-side of a portion of the individual, while otherdisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can support or stabilize aninstantaneous upper surface of at least a portion of the individual.Those displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that support the instantaneousunder-side of at least a portion of the individual will have to applygreater force or pressure to counteract gravity as applied to theindividual. Those displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that support theinstantaneous upper surface of the individual 106 will have to apply alesser force or pressure since gravity reduces the force appliedthereto. As such, within this disclosure, the references to a particularportion can also be segmented considering whether each particularportion is instantaneously above, instantaneously below, orinstantaneously on the side of the individual. Certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring controller 97, as described in thisdisclosure can control the relative positioning of the displaceablecontour unit(s) 102 such as to compensate for gravity, acceleration,and/or force as applied to the individual. As such, when the individualis repositioned, such as being turned over in an operating room, certainones of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may have tobe re-adjusted as appropriate to support or stabilize at least a portionof the individual.

There may be a number of reasons why it may not be desirable to applyequal pressure from the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. For example,certain ones of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 maybe situated under and/or supporting a comparatively lighter portion ofthe individual 106, such as an arm, while other ones of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be situated under and/orsupporting a comparatively heavier or denser portion of the individual106, such as a torso. As such, it may be desired to limit pressure asapplied from each of the at least one displaceable contouring units thatmay support a similar weight of the individual 106 considering thedifferent portions of the individual.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) that are not situated under certain portion(s) of theindividual 106 can be operated to retract, extend, and/or bedisplaceable, and thereby be situated to apply a desirable force orpressure to the individual, or some other pressure characteristic basedon the desire of the physician, the individual 106, the designer, etc.For example, certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can extend, such as to be situated laterallyrelative to the individual, and also perhaps extending higher than orabove at least a portion of the individual 106. For example, thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102, when extended, can extend to aheight, position, or level sufficient to limit travel (e.g., in alateral or other direction) of the individual 106 past the extended onesof the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100.

As described in this disclosure, the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 could be configured to reduce pressure differentialbetween multiple displaceable contouring unit(s) depending on theoperation thereof, but perhaps not others. Certain embodiments of the atleast one displaceable contouring unit(s) could be configured toincrease, decrease, vary, modulate, or otherwise change the pressure tovarious sites as compared to other ones of the displaceable contouringunit(s). Certain embodiments of the displaceable contour unit(s) 102 canthereby be used as a supporting element and/or a stabilizing element byrepositioning it, or other, adjacent units.

By configuring certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 to apply substantially similar pressure tocertain regions across the individual 106, the contour of certainembodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102(e.g., at its upper surface) should approximate the correspondingcontour of the individual 106. As such, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured toposition its at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 into aposition utilizing the at least one of a number of the describedmechanisms such that its outer contour closely approximates a matingcontour of the individual 106. As such, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can include a contourhaving a shape that proximally mirrors the surface of the individual 106at that location.

As described in this disclosure, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be removed, altered,reconfigured, etc. to, for example, allow the physician or other medicalpersonnel to perform the desired operation. For example, consider thatthe individual 106 is undergoing heart surgery or other thoracicsurgery, it may be likely that those portions of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit 102 of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 that are situated over the individual's chest would beremoved or moved to provide suitable access. Removing (or not applying)a sufficient number of the at least one displaceable contouring units102 can thereby facilitate suitable and generally understood operatingroom techniques, hospital techniques, etc. as can thereupon be appliedto the individual 106.

Such displaceable contouring between different ones of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can have the effect of limiting thepressure that may be applied to particular portion(s) of the individual106. As such, protruding portions of the anatomy of the individual 106(e.g., the face or eyes, genitalia, wounds, women's breasts, injurylocations, etc.) such as may experience considerably higher pressure,pain, or even injury as compared to other portions of the anatomy whenthe individual is situated on conventional operating tables, hospitalbeds, etc.; by comparison, the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 may be positioned and/or displaced such as to provide ashape approximately conforming to the contour of the individual 106and/or sensitive parts of the individual.

Certain areas of the individual 106 that may become pressure points whenusing certain conventional operating tables and/or beds, which may,instead, with certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, experience considerably reduced and/or distributedpressure at particular pressure locations. By reducing or distributingthe pressure more uniformly across certain portions, body surfaces,and/or surface locations of the individual 106, in certain cases theblood circulation can be improved across at least portions of theindividual as well as “downstream” circulatory portions of theindividual. While this disclosure has described certain circulatorydeficiencies in the individual 106 relating to blood, blood components,etc.; is also envisioned that certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can also enhance other fluidcirculatory situations within the individual, such as lymph, medication,applied medications or minerals, urine, saline, etc. therefore, byequalizing the pressure across different portions of the individual 106,fewer places on the anatomy of the individual 106 may experience areduced blood flow or other circulatory problems, and/or the associatedformation of bed sores, produced circulatory problems, blisters, etc. byutilizing certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100.

There can be a variety of mechanisms that can be utilized to displace,transfer, rotate, move, or otherwise situate certain embodiments of theat least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, as described in thisdisclosure. Moving or positioning certain embodiments of the at leastone displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can thereby be utilized to move,displace, reposition, reconfigure, or otherwise resituate theindividual. Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) can form a variety of shapes, configurations, providea variety of operating parameters, utilize a variety of extendingmechanisms, etc., as described in this disclosure, which these examplesare intended be illustrative in nature but not limiting in scope.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be moved, translated, deflated, etc. as desired by the physicianand/or other treating personnel.

Consider, for example, a doctor treating a bone injury patient duringtheir rounds. With conventional casts, traction, and/or otherstabilizing mechanisms, for example, it may be difficult or expensive toexamine the particular site of an injury, a wound, a broken bone, anulcer, an abrasion, etc. which may be situated underneath the castand/or in traction, for example. It would be impractical, for example,for a physician or other medical personnel to remove a conventional casteach time the physician wanted to thoroughly examine and/or cleanse aninjury location for a broken bone and/or a wound.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanismthat is acting as a support or stabilizer can, for example, betemporarily removed and/or positioned to allow the doctor, emergencytechnician, ambulance driver, ski patrol, nurse, or other person toexamine the wound or injury. The spacing of certain embodiments of thedisplaceable contouring unit 102 can be sufficiently reduced as topermit removal, cleaning, and/or other such operations while allowingthe other displaceable contour unit(s) 102 to maintain the supportand/or stabilization. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can also be configured to limit its contactingor overlying of wounds, bedsores, or injuries, etc. Limiting thecontacting or overlying of the portions of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 to wounds, bedsores, or injuries, etc. canthereby increase the exposure of the wounds, bedsores, or injuries, etc.to air that may improve the healing. Limiting the contacting oroverlying of the portions of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 to wounds, bedsores, or injuries, etc. can also limit theexposure of the wounds, bedsores, or injuries, etc. to foreign bodies(such as portions of the cast, etc.), that may hinder healing.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100may be adaptive to thereby reduce pressure differentials appropriately.It may also be possible for certain embodiments to be de-assembledand/or stored in an unassembled fashion to, e.g., save space. Consider,for example, certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be stored in an emergency response location (in acity, a building, a state, a country, by the Red Cross, etc.), and priorto, during, or after the emergency. A variety of embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be accessed,transported, airlifted or otherwise situated or located at the disasteror emergency location from a local or remote location, such that avariety of embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100 can be provided and/or assembled for the suitable care over areasonable duration. In a war, catastrophe, or other emergencysituation, for example, hospital units such as MASH units can beprovided based on need to adopt to the injuries or wounds of certainindividuals. By allowing certain ones of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanisms 100 to be stored, moved, assembled, and/orde-assembled quickly, such hospital or triage units can be utilized withgreat adaptability.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100that are to be used to move or transfer the individual 106 (or are to beused relatively briefly), may be configured or designed to be lighter,for example, than certain embodiments of the one or more beds in whichthe individual 106 remains for a long time. As such, the configuration,shape, operation, and/or general design of the different embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be selected based,at least in part, on such factors as: it's usage; its duration of usage;whether it is to be used for transportation; whether the individual 106is using it is generally unconscious; medicated; in trauma; or in a comaduring its use, configuration, condition, size, or weight of theindividual 106, etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100thereby can utilize modular aspects as well as rapid prototypingtechniques to create operating tables, beds, etc. that can be adapted tothe surgeon or medical personnel, the procedure or operation, and/or thepatient. Alternatively, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured to create customized pillowsor cutouts in bed, or inflatable deflatable versions of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102.

A number of embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 are described. FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a number ofthe at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that are integratedwithin a frame 502, where longitudinal motion (indicated by arrowsreferenced as 504) may be allowed through certain ones of the at leastone displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 with respect to the frame 502.Each of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) as describedwith respect to FIG. 5 of a generally cylindrical or other shape, can bemounted within a respective displaceably mating recessed portion 506that may be formed in or by the frame 502. Certain embodiments of the atleast one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can include a conformableportion 508, which under relatively light pressure can conform to, adaptto, or generally angle to reflect the body of the individual 106 at thatparticular location. Certain embodiments of the conformable portion 508are generally formed with a conformable material such as a gel, a fluidsuch as water, etc., a liquid, a gas, air, a solid-filler material suchas a bean-bag material, etc.

While FIG. 5 shows the frame 502 configured to extend along a singledirection, certain embodiments of the frame 502 can be configured,shaped, designed, displaced, or arranged to allow the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to extend along one, two, or threesubstantially orthogonal directions, in a regular or dissimilarconfiguration along each of the one, two, or three directions. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 canalso be configured to be modified or reconfigured over time. Forexample, consider the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100being configured as an operating table, in which the individual 106 mayhave to be turned on their front, side, back, through a variety ofpositions, etc. during the operation. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured to be modified(such as with a number of settings) which can be recalled to repositionthe at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as may be desirablefor the particular individual 106 when in a particular position.

Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s)102 of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can include anactuator 510 such as may displace the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 in a desired direction, e.g., up or down asillustrated in FIG. 5. A variety of electromechanical, computerized,controller-based, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid-based, steppermotor, salvo mechanism, etc., or other known actuators may be used asthe displacement actuator 510 (which may provide linear displacement) asdescribed with respect to FIG. 5, and may be under the control of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97, as described with respectto FIG. 4. Another embodiment of the actuator 510 can be configured asillustrated in FIG. 9, in which certain embodiments of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be filled with air, a fluid, aliquid, a gas, etc., which could extend an expansion portion formedtherein to provide motion as indicated by the arrow. Such displacementmechanisms as described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 9 are intended to beintended to be illustrative in nature, but not limiting in scope.

As such, displacement of or by certain embodiments of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be effected using a variety oftechniques, mechanisms, and/or devices that are illustrated, but notlimited to those, as described in this disclosure. Different suchactuators, displacement devices, and the like as are generallyunderstood by those skilled in the actuator technologies can be utilizedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forthin the claims. There may thereby be a wide variety of actuators that mayprovide actuation of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s)102 to effect displacement of the portion that supports the individual,e.g., the conformable portion 508. Certain embodiments of the actuator510 can be controlled, for example, by certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 as described with respectto FIG. 4.

A single one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 5 is illustrated, movable with respect tothe frame 502 (which may result from displacement by the actuator 510).The dimensions, configuration, material, shape, design, and otheraspects of each displaceable contouring unit(s) may be considered as adesign choice, and should not be considered limiting in scope. It shouldbe considered, however, that certain configurations of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 (such as cylindrical) can allow fora considerable spacing to form between adjacent ones. As such, it may bedesired to alter the dimensions of certain embodiments of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102, such as to reduce spacing formedthere between which may be uncomfortable to certain individuals 106.Sheets, cushions, inserts, etc. can be used in conjunction with certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 to fitbetween or cover over joints between adjacent conformable portions 508to thereby limit any undesirable or uncomfortable effects of spaces orvoids formed between adjacent ones of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102. Certain configurations of spacing between adjacent sets ofdisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be desirable. For example,spacing between adjacent displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can allowventilation, as well as associated cooling to the individual. Spacingbetween the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can allow liquids,gasses, and other fluids to escape from contact with the individual,which may thereupon be readily cleaned if necessary. As such, whether toapply spacing between displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be adesign choice. In certain embodiments, the shape of the conformableportion 508 may reflect the general cross-sectional shape of theremainder of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, whilein other embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of elements 102 and 508may be dissimilar.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 that has a generally rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration. These rectangular embodiments of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can allow relatively tight spacingof the units. Other shapes of the at least one displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 can be utilized while remaining within the intended scope ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102 that is configured with a pivotable conformable portion 508, toattach to the remainder of the displaceable contouring unit(s) by ajoint number 516. Certain embodiments, a joint member 516 can include afreely-displaceable number, such as being attached by a ball bearing orhinge, to thereby allow the pivotable conformable portion 508 to freelypivot with respect to the remainder of the displaceable contouring unit102. Certain embodiments of the joint member 516 can be controllable,such as to allow for a pivotable conformable portion 508 to assume anangle with respect to, for example, other pivotable conformable portionsin the vicinity, other displaceable contouring unit(s), the contour ofthe individual 106, etc. Different embodiments of the joint member 516can be configured to allow the desired rotation or hinging of thepivotable conformable portion 508 in the desired or designed directionsand/or axes.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canthereby be configured and/or displaced to provide support for theindividual 106, considering the contour of the individual 106 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 10. For example, the vertical position ofeach of the at least one displaceable contouring unit 102 can bedisplaced to a position to approximate a contour 530 of the individual106. Thereupon, the pivotable conformable portion 508 can be configuredto be controllably rotated (or allowed to rotate) to approximate theangle of the contour.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canextend, as illustrated in FIG. 13, above the plane of the otherdisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 such as to limit travel of theindividual 106, or other object, in a direction that is substantiallyorthogonal to the direction which many of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 are intended to support the individual 106. For example, theouter-two most (or any other) displaceable contouring unit 102 in FIG.13 can be displaced upwardly to a level sufficient to limit travel ofthe at least the portion of the individual 106 (e.g., a portion of a legas illustrated in cross-section) in a substantially left-right directionas illustrated in FIG. 13, while the inner-two most displaceablecontouring units 102 of FIG. 13 are configured to support the at leastthe portion of the individual 106 in a substantially upward/downwarddirection as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 13 can include a stabilization surface1302 that can limit motion of a portion of the individual in aprescribed direction, which may or may not be coincident with thedirection of support by the conformable portion(s) 508 (which may or maynot be pivotable). During operation of certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, certain ones of thedisplaceable contouring units 102 may be extended up to the side of theindividual. As such, depending on the configuration and construction ofthe medical contouring mechanism 100, certain embodiments of thestabilization surface 1302 can be configured and raised to a level tolimit travel of the individual laterally past the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. Certain embodiments of the displaceablecontouring units 102 can be configured with one or more stabilizationsurface 1302, as illustrated with respect to FIGS. 22, 23, and/or 24.

With certain embodiments of one or more of the displaceable contouringunits 102, the stabilization surface 1302 can correspond to certainembodiments of the conformable portion(s) 508. For instance, with thoseembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 thatare configured as casts, braces, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 27, forexample, the conformable portion(s) 508 can be configured to stabilizeat least that portion of the individual's body part that it comes incontact with against motion in that direction. As such, the pressureapplied by certain embodiments of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring units 102 can also be configured to stabilize the body partof the individual 106.

Such upward or downward displacement (as shown in FIG. 13) of certainembodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canallow the respective supportive portions thereof to approximately followthe contour of the individual 106 at that respective location. Certainembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be configuredto be relatively soft or deformable at those locations that can come incontact with the individual 106, and thereby would be useful as anoperating table, bed, couch, piece of furniture, etc. in which anyexcessive or enhanced pressure as would be applied to the individual 106can be limited.

Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s)102 can be configured to displaceably engage with other displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, as described with respect to FIGS. 14, 15, and16. For example, certain embodiments of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be configured to be displaced with respect toother ones of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) such asto provide a substantially contoured upper surface to mirror or conformwith the contour of the individual 106 being supported. Certainembodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canbe configured with guides 570 that allow relative motion in certaindirection(s) (e.g., in or out of the page as illustrated in FIG. 15)while limiting relative motion in certain direction(s) (e.g., in theplane of the page as illustrated in FIG. 15). The embodiment of theguides 570 as illustrated in FIG. 15 is intended to be illustrative innature, and not limiting in scope. For example, the guides 570 asillustrated are of a tongue-and-groove configuration, but otherconfigurations can be used in certain embodiments at the medicaldisplaceable contour mechanism 100 as well that would allow relativemotion between adjacent displaceable contouring units 102. In addition,each of the at least one displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 asillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 is configured with guides 570 that limitsrelative motion to adjacent displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 alongtwo directions (e.g., up-and-down and left and right as illustrated inFIG. 15), but in certain embodiments such motion can be limited in onedirection only.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102 that is configured with a pivotable conformable portion 508 whichhas certain similarities with the FIG. 8 embodiment, which can attach tothe remainder of the displaceable contouring unit(s) by the joint number516. With certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, a joint member 516 can be a freely-displaceable member,such as ball bearings which are known to allow the pivotable conformableportion 508 to freely pivot with respect to the remainder of thedisplaceable contouring unit 102. Certain embodiments of the jointnumber 516 can allow their respective positioning to be controllable,such as to allow for a pivotable conformable portion 508 to assume anangle with respect to, for example, other pivotable conformable portionsin the vicinity, other displaceable contouring unit(s), the contour ofthe individual 106, etc.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canthereby be configured and/or displaced to provide support for theindividual 106, considering at least partially the contour of theindividual 106 as described with respect to FIG. 10. For example, thevertical position of each of the at least one displaceable contouringunit 102 can be displaced to a position to approximate a contour 530 ofthe individual 106. Thereupon, the pivotable conformable portion 508 canbe configured to be controllably rotated (or allowed to rotate) withrespect to the remainder of the at least one displaceable contouringunit 102 to thereby approximate the angle of the contour.

Certain embodiments of the at least one displaceable contouring unit 102that are displaceably secured to at least one other adjacentdisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can provide relative motion usingexpansion portions as described with respect to FIG. 9. The embodimentof the at least one displaceable contouring unit 102 as described withrespect to FIG. 9 can be configured to provide such relative motion.

The operation and/or functionality of the embodiments of the at leastone displaceable contouring unit 102 as described with respect to FIGS.1 to 21 are thereby intended to be illustrative in nature and notlimiting in scope. As such, configurations, shapes, types of guides 570,etc. and other characteristics can be considered to be a design choicewhich can be easily modified while remaining within the intended scopeof the present disclosure which are to be limited based entirely oncontext, particularly the language of the claims.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 21 can thereby be configured ina variety of configurations to support the individual 106 using at leastone of the at least one displaceable contouring unit 102, the latter ofwhich can be configured along a one-dimensional, a two-dimensional, or athree dimensional array, or other configuration as claimed, recited, ordescribed in this disclosure. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, as described with respect to FIG.17, can also be configured to include a support portion 590, that can beconfigured as a conventional bedding portion to support a portion of theindividual 106, for example, while also including at least one of thedisplaceable contouring unit 102. As such, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured with thesupport portion 590 to support a portion of the individual 106 whothereupon may not be as likely to form bedsores, experience poorcirculation, etc. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured such as to reduce itscomplexity of the structure or operation. Certain embodiments of thesupport portion 590 can be shaped or contoured, for example, to roughlyconform to the shape of the individual 106 such as by using a foam, aliquid, a gas, a gel, a flexible, deformed, and/or another deformablematerial or combination thereof.

By comparison, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can include the at least one of thedisplaceable contouring unit 102 (e.g., that can support the portion tothe right in FIG. 17 which may be situated under a portion of theindividual) can operate similar to those embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described in other portions ofthe disclosure. By displacing the at least one of the displaceablecontouring unit 102 in those embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 that can include the partial support portion590, the pressure applied to the support portion 590 can also be reducedor taken up by portions of the at least one of the displaceablecontouring unit 102.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be provided with an access portion 620 as described with respect toFIGS. 18 and 19, in which at least certain ones of the at least one ofthe displaceable contouring unit 102 can be removed, positioned,displaced, rotated, or otherwise configured to allow a physician orother medical or treating person to gain access to a portion of theindividual 106. The purpose of providing the access portion 620 to theindividual 106 can vary, such as permitting a surgeon or other medicalpersonnel to treat the individual 106; allowing a caretaker to clean theindividual 106 and/or portions of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100; providing a bed-pan or other mechanism to the individualthat can be situated at a suitable position within the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, such as might be able to berepositioned or removed for cleaning; etc.

In certain surgical, hospital, nursing home, ambulance, ski patrol, andother settings, for example, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can thereby be configureddepending upon but not limited to such factors as: the individual 106,the condition of the individual 106, the procedure or treatment beingapplied to the individual, the duration which the individual 106 is tobe situated in the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, theparticulars or desires of the treating physician or medical personnel,etc. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be configured to accommodate unusual individual 106positions, such as may be the case with individuals 106 undergoingspinal or neck surgeries in which the patient individuals 106 may evenbe facing downward, be bent or curved, or even have to undergo frequentrepositioning.

To allow for change of operative site (e.g. anterior to posterior orvice versa) on certain individuals 106, such as may be the case whenoperating on or treating certain spine, neck injury, or other majorinjury or trauma patients; certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be formed with two or moresupport segments. In certain instances, it may be possible toreconfigure or modify the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100such as to permit a physician or other medical personnel to changeoperative site while maintaining stability of the position of theremainder of the body. For example, one segment may support a front oranterior portion of the individual 106 while another segment may supporta back or posterior portion of the individual 106. A variety ofstructures or frameworks may be provided such as to allow the individual106 to be maintained between the segments. The anterior segment of theindividual 106 can be configured to conform to the anterior portion ofthe individual, while the posterior segment of the individual 106 can beconfigured to conform to the posterior portion of the individual, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19 for example. Consider thatwhen the individual 106 is undergoing surgery in which the individualcan be accessed from different sides, and/or at different locations orsites, etc.

The embodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19 can thereby be configured toinclude a first medical displaceable contouring support portion 600 anda second medical displaceable contouring support portion 602. The twomedical displaceable contouring mechanisms 600 and 602 as shown in FIG.18 are shown in a separated position such that the individual 106 suchas a patient can get onto, get off of, and/or lie on the first medicaldisplaceable contouring support portion 600 without interference by thesecond medical displaceable contouring support portion 602. Certainembodiments of the second medical displaceable contouring mechanism 602can thereupon be rotated on top of the individual 106 as indicated bythe arrows of FIG. 18, into the relative position as illustrated in FIG.19. The first medical displaceable contouring support portion 600 andthe second medical displaceable contouring support portion 602 are eachillustrated as each supporting the individual 106 entirely with the atleast one of the displaceable contouring unit 102. It may be possiblethat certain embodiments of the first medical displaceable contouringsupport portion 600 and/or the second medical displaceable contouringsupport portion 602 could be configured with more conventional beddingor support portions, as illustrated with respect to FIG. 17, and/or avariety of access portions. For example, if the surgery was going to beperformed exclusively on the anterior portion of the individual 106,then only the anterior support portion may be configured with the atleast one of the displaceable contouring unit 102 in certain embodimentsof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain portions of the first medical displaceable contouring supportportion 600 and/or the second medical displaceable contouring supportportion 602, that come in contact with portions of the individual 106,may be provided with one of the variety of embodiments of the at leastone of the displaceable contouring unit 102 as described in thisdisclosure. Other portions of the medical displaceable contouringsupport portions 600 and 602 may be configured or operated for otherfunctionality, such as providing medication, an oxygen or gas mask,ventilation, instrumentation, sensors, etc., as desired.

The embodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19 can, for example, include anaccess portion 620 that can be configured to allow the doctor, or othermedical personnel, to access the individual 106 during an operation orother procedure. For example, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured to provide theaccess portion over the head or other portion of the individual 106 tolimit claustrophobia by the individual 106.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to allow the individual 106 to be rotated, orotherwise repositioned or positioned, such as may become necessaryduring an operation or procedure. For example, the embodiment of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described with respectto FIG. 19 can be configured to be rotated such that the individual 106may be facing downward, or in some other position. It is not uncommon,during certain types of surgery in particular, that the individual 106may have to be rotated, turned, or positioned.

Consider that certain operations or procedures, such as an x-ray, a CATscan, and/or other electromagnetic radiation, electromechanical,optical, or other procedures, may be extremely expensive and may relylargely on the individual remaining almost motionless. If the individualmoves, even as a result of an itch or sneeze, the quality of and/or theinformation obtainable from such results may be degraded considerably.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can therefore be configured to maintain the individual in an almoststill or almost motionless position, and therefore be highly applicableto such procedures or operations whose quality may depend largely on thelack of motion of the individual.

While FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate certain aspects of an embodiment of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that include tworelatively movable medical displaceable contouring mechanisms beingapplied from above and below the individual (as illustrated in thefigures), it is also possible to provide a variety of number and/ororientation of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism(s) 100. Forexample, in certain instances, it may be desirable to provide a distinctmedical displaceable contouring mechanism around each side (four total)of a portion of the individual (such as the torso or head) or about theentire individual. Alternately, it may be desired to allow certain onesof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism to encounter theindividual such as from the side of the individual. It may be desired tomove one or more of the medical displaceable contouring mechanismsthrough a number of angles and/or to a number of positions and/or anglessuch as may be desired by the physician, treating person, or theindividual.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can act to reposition at least one of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 of the individual when moved or repositioned within themedical displaceable contouring mechanism. For instance, if certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 areangled to a different position, then the side of the individual that isfacing down (and is exposed to the effects of the greatest pressureresulting from gravitational force) will change. As such, thepressure(s) and/or force(s) that may be applied from the body of theindividual against the different displaceable contouring unit 102 willchange depending on the position of the individual relative to gravity.Consider that if the individual is supported against gravity primarilyon their back, their sides and front may be exposed to very little forceas a result of gravity. By comparison, if the individual is moved totheir side, then only that side will experience the most pressureresulting from gravity. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 may be configured to reduce any pressuredifferential (to limit pressure points) on the side of the body that isexposed to the greatest gravitational pressures.

Similar acceleration forces may be applied to individuals beingtransported. For example, it may be important to transport certaintrauma patients, pre-natal infants, and/or other seriously injured orsick individuals via ambulance, air transport, or other mechanism oftransportation by which the individual can be exposed to considerableforces and/or acceleration as a result of the transport. Similarly, itmay be important to limit the pressures applied to the individual as aresult of such forces and/or accelerations. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 may be configured todisplace or position certain of the at least one of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 such as to protect particularly injured orsensitive portions against the forces and/or accelerations inherent inthe transport.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can utilize such illustrative but not-limiting mechanisms as gyroscopes,global positioning system (GPS), inertial units, pendulum indicators, aswell as a general indication by a technician as to which direction is“down” relative to gravity and the individual. The more complexgyroscopic systems, global positioning systems (GPS), and/or inertialunit systems may be used, for example, with vehicular travel or mobileembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. Themore straight forward (technician indicated) systems may be used bystationary embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100that include an individual 106 supported and/or stabilized between twomedical displaceable contouring mechanisms 100 (e.g., 600, 602) couldact by having the pressure differential fluctuating certain one(s) ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 slightly to allow for improvedease of breathing by the individual by allowing their chest to expandand contract more easily. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can also be configured to allowother movements and/or functions by the individual, as appropriate.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured such that the individual can actuate a releasemechanism, such as to limit certain claustrophobic aspects of certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Upon consideration of the arrows as included in FIG. 19, certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can berotated, turned, repositioned, etc. as may be desired by the treatingphysician or other person, or the individual 106, while maintainingsupport (i.e., under reduced pressure) of the individual 106 throughoutthe operation or procedure. Robotics, control mechanisms, computer-basedmechanisms, and the like can be utilized to perform suitable motion tosupport portions 600, 602, etc. as described in this disclosure as isgenerally understood by those skilled in the robotics and/or controltechnologies. With certain embodiments of conventional operating tables,for example, patients may have to be strapped down, or otherwise securedto the conventional operating table such as by utilizing straps, belts,inserts, add-on portions etc. Positioning the individual 106 in a numberof positions relative to a conventional operating table, or hospitalbed, etc. utilizing a variety of belts, straps, etc. can result inexcessive and/or non-uniform loads being applied to various portions ofthe individual 106, such as may be undesirable or even harmful to theindividual 106. With certain embodiments of operating tables, hospitalbeds, ambulance stretchers, etc., the individuals 106 may even have tobe rotated and repositioned on top of the operating table, etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be utilized to assist in repositioning of the individual, rollingthe individual 106, etc, by physicians or medical personnel on top ofconventional hospital beds, operating tables, etc. can result in damageto, hurting, pain, or injury to the individual 106 as well as thephysician or other medical personnel. As such, certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, as described in thisdisclosure, can be configured to allow the individual 106 to be moved,repositioned, re-situated, or otherwise displaced while limitingexcessive load being applied to the individual 106. As such, certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 canhave at least some of their displaceable contouring units 102repositioned or displaced during an operation or procedure when theindividual is being repositioned such as to compensate for the varyingcontour of the individual. For example, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism can be configured to conformto the individual 106 lying on their back, for example. As theindividual is displaced, allowed to move, or rolled onto their stomachs,for example, certain ones of the displaceable contouring unit 102 can bedisplaced to conform to the different contour of at least a portion ofthe individual.

With certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 as described in this disclosure, certain ones of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can even be displaced in a manner asto assist in rolling the individual 106 or moving a portion of theindividual. For example, certain of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102 can be displaced alone or in combination such as by creating a wave,message, or the like by the displacement of one or more of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102. By comparison, certain embodimentsof the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that can apply a rolling,turning, or other displacing force to the individual, less force mayhave to be applied by the physician, nurse, the individual, or othertreating person who may be attempting to move or roll the individual.The force, which certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can apply to the individual 106 may not besufficient in itself to reposition the individual, but such force mayhelp. Additionally, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured to allow for convenience andeasy access to various portions of the individual 106. In addition suchrotating or displacing of the individual can be performed.

A considerable amount of this disclosure relates to individuals 106being supported by certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100, in which the individuals 106 are patients inhospitals, operating rooms, being transferred by ambulance, beingtreated by a physician, medical personnel, lifeguard, and/or ski patrol,etc. It is to be understood that certain embodiments of the individual106 who can also utilize certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can also be relatively healthy individuals 106.For instance, it may be desired to configure the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 that can be configured with a displaceablecontouring unit 102 in such devices as a bed, in which the individual106 can rest on with reduced number of or intensity of pressure pointsand/or improved blood circulation.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured, for example, to improve sleep and/or improve bloodcirculation for individuals 106 in their home, etc. Consider, forexample, that a variety of embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured as furniture, beds, couches,sofas, seats, chairs, etc. such as people can use in their home, work,and/or vehicles. Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouringunits 102 can be configured to limit sideways, backwards, lateral, orother motion of the individual as situated in an ambulance stretcher, arescue or ski-patrol stretcher, etc. may be limited or retarded bycertain embodiments of the displaceable contouring units 102, such asmay limit so-called secondary impacts of the individual following theprimary impact of an accident, etc. Such extension or displacement ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be upon the accident, or canbe during the normal vehicle or device operation such as to provide acontoured seat, stretcher, bed, etc. portion of the individual, as wellas the supported portion of the individual. It may be desirable toprovide at least certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit102 that can be adapted for medical transport in a variety of vehiclesin which at least some of its operators or occupants would be made morecomfortable, and/or have improved blood circulation over a long trip.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, by improving the comfort of the individual 106, may even allow theindividual to remain more alert during treatment or certain medicalprocedures (e.g., x-rays, CAT scans, or other electromagnetic radiationapplication procedures, medicine application, etc.) considering certainergonomic aspects of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured for such individuals 106 as an animal as describedwith respect to FIG. 20. Consider that certain animals may find it morecomfortable or restful. Certain embodiments of the displaceable contourunit(s) 102 can be configured to maintain or secure the animal inposition. As blood circulation is improved in the animal, for example,then certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can enhance the comfort of the animal, for example. Aconsiderable amount of the difficulty can be associated with treatinganimals may result from discomfort and/or reduced blood flow to certainportions of the animal. The variety of animals that can utilize certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 caninclude, but are not limited to, domesticated animals, wild animals,livestock, etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100that are configured to operate on and/or stabilize a body portion (suchas casts, braces, traction, etc.) can be applied to or designed to beapplied to animals. Consider that certain medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 that may be configured as body portion casts,for example, that could be applied to horses, dogs, cats, lions, bears,cows, etc., to provide considerable support for a broken or injuredportion. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be formed at least partially from fiberglass, metal,plastic, honeycomb, composites, or other weather-resistant material tobe suited for the particular environment that animal is likely toexperience. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be configured with a regularly-shaped (e.g.cylindrical) outer portion, with a number of displaceable contouringunits 102 extending inwardly that can separately be displaced to aposition to conform to, and stabilize, the part of the animal.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured such that only certain portions of the individual 106may be supported by the at least one displaceable contouring unit 102,while other portions of the individual 106 may be supported byaccessories, etc. Certain individuals who are in the hospital, forexample, may include an accessory portion that can provide support oraccess to certain portions of the individual 106. Certain embodiments ofthe accessories may also include one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit 102. For example, one embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured with suchaccessories as a traction mechanism as described with respect to FIG.21, which further includes, for example, a traction mechanism 630 whichcan include a pin 632 that can extend through a portion of theindividual 106 (e.g., a bone such as of the leg), a connector portion634, a weight 636, and a weight directing mechanism (e.g., pulley) 638.The connector portion 634 can be configured, for example, to include alinkage, a cable, a rope, a wire, etc. that can apply a force from theweight 636, etc. to the pin 632.

The embodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 21 can be configured to be a broken awayportion of one embodiment of the entire medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 (such as the leg may be considered a broken away portionof the individual 106), or alternately as an additional embodiment ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that can operate as adistinct and/or ancillary unit from an embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 that could support the remainderof the individual 106. The particular traction mechanism as illustratedis intended to be illustrative in nature and not limiting in scope, butit should be noted that certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured with a variety of accessoriesthat are intended and configured to interact with the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 relative to the individual 106. Assuch, certain casts, traction devices, supports, pillows, access ports,etc. can be configured in certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 distinctly as appropriate for thatparticular individual, and injury or illness.

A number of the embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 21 may beconfigured to allow the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102to displace with respect to each other, as well as other portions of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, to thereby improve thesupport of the individual 106. Based at least in part on the positioningof the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, the variations in pressure,as applied between different ones of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102, can thereby be reduced thereby potential a generally enhancingblood circulation or flow within the individual 106.

There can be a variety of configurations of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, as described in this disclosure. For example,FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 illustrate different embodiments of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102. Within certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, at least certain ones ofthe one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can vary inconfiguration. For example, certain ones of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 that might be used for such embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 such as a stretcher, a skipatrol toboggan, or other transitory or stationary embodiments, can beconfigured to support at least certain portions of the individual suchas to reduce pressure differential across the portion. By comparison,other ones of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 thatmight be used for such embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured to stabilize at least certainportions of the individual, such as to limit lateral motion therein.

In addition, certain embodiments of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, as described in this disclosure, can beconfigured differently along its length. For example, a first portion ofone or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be used to secureitself to a frame, for example. By comparison, another portion of one ormore displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be used to rigidify the oneor more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 against tipping ordeformation against axial loads, and as such may be relatively stiff.Still another portion of one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102may be used to limit lateral travel of the individual past that one ormore displaceable contouring unit(s), and as such may be configuredsoftly as to limit painful contact with the individual. Still anotherportion of one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be usedto support the individual on the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s), and as such may be deformable as to act as a cushion. As such,certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can provide substantial stiffness, such as may be desirable withoperating tables, casts, braces, etc.; while limiting excessive pressureagainst any particular location on the individual, particularly thepressure points.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured and/or designed for a particular use. For instance,certain hospital bed configurations (where the individual rests) may bemore flexible and/or cushioned than certain operating tableconfigurations (where the individual is positioned to be operated on,often in a medicated condition). Similarly, certain cast embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, which are intended toheal a broken, fractured, or injured bone or joint, may be configured tobe more rigid than certain brace embodiments, which are intended tolimit excessive motion of a bruised, sore, or lightly injured joint. Assuch, the configuration of the certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 may be designed or implementedconsidering the intended operation or functionality of the mechanism.

FIG. 22 shows a cross sectional view of the at least a portion of one ormore displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, that is generally hollow inconfiguration. Depending on design choice or usage, certain embodimentsof the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be stiff suchas to maintain its cross section, or could alternately be deformablesuch as to provide cushion along one or more axes. By comparison, the atleast a portion of one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 23 may be solid in cross section, such asto provide greater structural strength, resistance against bending,and/or integrity.

The at least a portion of one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 as described with respect to FIG. 24 may be solid in cross section,such as to provide greater structural strength, resistance againstbending, and/or integrity; but also be coated or cushioned such as toprovide improved cushioning. A variety of modifications in designs,material, configuration, use, etc. of certain embodiments of the one ormore displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 is considered to be a designchoice, but is not intended to be limiting in scope.

The may be a variety of other reasons why it may be desirable todisplace at least certain ones of the one more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102, as described in this disclosure. For example, it may bedesirable to provide access to certain portions of the individual 106,and thereby may be desirable to remove certain ones of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102. Additionally, certain ones of theone or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be directly linedwith the wounded area and/or injured portion of the individual 106, andthereby it may be desirable to remove or displace those displaceablecontouring unit(s) such as to apply a decreased force to the wounded orinjured portion of the individual 106.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 that can be configured with one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. With the embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 as described with respect to FIG. 25, the oneor more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be disposed on a supportsuch as a bed, operating table, cot, frame, table, etc., while stillproviding a cushioning effect as described in this disclosure. Consider,for example, that certain embodiments of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be laid upon conventional devices. Bycomparison, certain embodiments of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be designed into, or integrated as a part of,certain medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Consider that certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 may be particularly applicable as a rescue mechanism suchas for ski patrols, mountaineering, and the like. When the injuredindividual is positioned in the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, at least certain ones of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be extended upwardly, thereby acting as astabilizing portion to limit lateral motion of the individual 106 withinthe stretcher, toboggan, etc. The configuration of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can thereby be displaced such that aconsiderable number of them extend around, and provide support and/orstabilization, to at least a considerable portion of the individual.Additionally, certain embodiments of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be configured to provide an insulativeaspect, such as may be particularly suitable for winter rescueoperations, etc.

Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102, as mentioned in this disclosure, can be configured to be situatedsuch as to stabilize at least a portion of the individual 106 (e.g.,against motion), as well as be displaced to limit excessive pressuredifferences as applied to certain portions of the individual 106. Thoseportions of the embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 that are configured to stabilize the individual 106 can beconfigured in a variety of different ways. For example, certainembodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canbe relatively secure, such that might be suited to limit the individual106 from performing may displaceable contouring unit(s) permitting, forexample, limiting the individual from falling out of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. Other embodiments of the one moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) can be flexible, inflatable, deformable,etc. such as to enhance the comfort of the individual 106 within themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, and/or limited a tendencyto reduce blood circulation or flow in the contacting portion of theindividual 106, and thereby limited bedsores, aggravation to wounds orinjuries, etc.

FIGS. 26 to 29 show a number of embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 that can be configured with the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to set a broken bone, ligament ortendon injury, knee injury, or other condition or injury of theindividual 106 in which a portion of the individual should bestabilized, for example. While each embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described with respect to FIGS.26 to 29 is illustrated as being applied to a leg, it is intended thatother embodiments can be applied to arms, knees, spines, elbows, orother joints or bones. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured to act as, augment, or addcapability to such conventional stabilizing devices as a cast, a splint,a wrap, a brace, etc.

Consider that those individuals, such as humans or animals, whoexperience a broken bone or certain other significant injury typically:a) may wish to have particular portion(s) of their body stabilized, b)should have those particular portion(s) of their body stabilized, c) maynot wish to have any physician, medical personnel, or other person tooclose or prodding around their injured portion, and d) will likely findthe entire experience very painful.

With conventional casts, conventional orthopedic or body braces, and/orother conventional orthopedic or body supports, the physician mayattempt to position the broken or injured body part into desiredposition, such as, for example, to line up bone fragments in a suitableposition where they can heal properly. Thereupon, in certain instances,the physician can apply certain of the embodiments of the conventionalcast, conventional orthopedic or body brace, and/or other conventionalorthopedic or body support while attempting to maintain the body partand/or bone, etc. in the desired position. After the cast is set, or thesupport is positioned, etc., the individual 106 such as the patient isto wait for the suitable time period for the broken bone or other injuryto heal, (while wearing the conventional cast or brace, etc.). Duringthe period of healing, while it may be possible to x-ray the bone, forexample, the traditional manner to reposition or reset a broken bonewhich is not healing properly within a conventional cast is to removethe cast, reset the bone, and replace the cast, which can be expensive,painful, and time consuming for the healing process. After the bodyportion has been removed from the cast, etc., then the body part can bex-rayed to ensure it has healed, and if not then the bone may have to bere-broken to allow proper healing.

By comparison, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be configured to be applied to the bodypart (such as a broken arm or leg, for instance) in which the injury hasbeen repositioned, or has been repositioned by the physician. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can beconfigured to, and be made of materials that allow the body part (suchas a broken arm of leg) to be x-rayed. It is likely that suchembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, whichare being used in such applications as broken or fractured bones wouldbe made of a material and/or configuration that would allow properx-ray. Similarly, it is likely that such embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, which are being used in suchapplications as can be diagnosed or treated utilizing otherelectromagnetic radiation sources (e.g., CAT scan, optical scanners ordetectors, radiation therapy, etc.) would be made of a material and/orconfiguration that would allow the proper application of the particularelectromagnetic radiation, medication, or other treatment and/ordiagnostic tool.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be set and/or repositioned after being positioned on the body part,such as by suitable actuation of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102. In certain embodiments, the displacement of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can act to displace bone ends,fragments, joints, or other such body parts into a desired position(such as is determined following an x-ray, or other diagnostic ortreatment mechanism) to enhance and/or improve healing. Even duringhealing or treatment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can bedisplaced or otherwise positioned as may be determined by the physician.Certain conventional casts may be solid such as to unmodifiably maintaina portion of the individual (e.g., arm or leg of the individual) afterthey have been set. By comparison, certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be reconfigured such as todisplace, reposition, support, stabilize, or apply desired pressure toat least one particular part of the individual, as desired, to suitablytreat the individual and/or patient as appropriate. Such treatment ofthe individual's body part using certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can thereby apply precise,responsive, and/or accurate displacements and/or pressures, andthereupon provide a suitable responsive treatment, support,stabilization, displacement, etc. in an on-going manner such as to beable to compensate for deviations from the desired recovery.

While the embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100 as described with respect to FIGS. 26-29 may appear relativelyskeletal as compared to certain conventional casts or braces, it mayalso be desired to apply other bracing members, etc. For example, castmaterial (e.g., plaster of paris) could be applied around to encasecertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100of FIGS. 26-29, to provide a more substantial cast appearance and/orlimit contact of the injured extremity with other people or surfaces.Certain other metal, plastic, fabric, fiberglass, or other materialcould be attached to enclose certain portions of certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. As such, theappearance, operating characteristics, and/or structure of certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can bemodified as desired.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to stabilize at least a portion of an individual 106,as described with respect to FIGS. 26-29, in which the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be configured to limit thepressure differential applied across at least a portion of theindividual as compared with, for example, certain conventional casts. Byconfiguring certain embodiments of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, for example, the pressure applied therefromagainst the individual can also be reconfigured such as to potentiallyreduce pressure points and potentially enhance circulation of blood, andother bodily fluids, within the portion of the body to which the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 has been applied.

FIG. 27 illustrates a number of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 being arranged substantially inwardly towards the bodyportion (e.g., leg) in a manner that conforms substantially to thecontour of the body portion. Though one layer of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 is illustrated in FIG. 27, it isenvisioned that a number of rows or patterns of the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be established to provide thedesired support.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured with variety of stabilizing devices 2860, such as mayconform to the general pattern or contour of the individual 106.Consider, for example, that certain embodiments of the stabilizingdevice 2860 may include a contour conforming portion 2862 which ascombined with the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 caneffectively stabilize the leg relative to the configuration of thecontour conforming portion 2862. Additionally, certain embodiments ofthe stabilizing device 2860 can include a connecting element 2864, whichare configured to extend between adjacent ones of the contour conformingportion 2862 and maintain the relative positions of the contourconforming portion 2862. By maintaining the relative positions of thecontour conforming portion 2862, as well as by stabilizing the legrelative to the contour of the contour conforming portion 2862, therelative motion of the different portions of the body portion can belimited, thereby allowing the bone and/or joint to heal.

Certain embodiments of the contour conforming portion 2862 can have avariety of configurations and can be formed from a variety of materialsdepending on such aspects as strength and size of the individual, typeof injury or wound, whether the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 should be removable, etc. Certain embodiments of the oneor more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 could be extendable inwardlywith respect to the contour conforming portion 2862 such as to create ashape that can conform with the contour of the body portion. Certainembodiments of the contour conforming portion 2862 can be configured tobe removable or displaceable, such as by displacing the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 outwardly to provide a clearancebetween the contour conforming portion 2862 and the body part. As such,certain embodiments of the contour conforming portion could be cleaned,removed, etc. Strength can be maintained in certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 by providing certainembodiments of the contour conforming portion of metal, plastic,fiberglass, composite, honeycomb, or other suitable material. Ifdesired, certain embodiments of the contour conforming portion 2862could also be constructed at least partially from a similar material asconventional casts, etc., and could also be constructed to bewaterproof, breathable, or have other characteristics based at least inpart on the design.

Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 of the contour conforming portion 2862 can be configured to bewashed, disinfected, or otherwise cleaned. The inside of conventionalcasts typically can become quite dirty, or can even represent a healthproblem. By providing an embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 including one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 that can be cleaned represents a considerable hygienic orsanitary improvement.

Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 within the contour conforming portion 2862 can even be actuated bythe individual and/or an assistant. Consider that certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can thereby becontrolled as to ensure comfort to the individual, even if remote fromthe doctor, hospital, etc. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be configured such that if theindividual may want to loosen it during rest, cleaning, or otheractivity, then it can be performed and perhaps returned to the originalor even another configuration later.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can even act to alter its position to adequately treat the individual.Certain broken bones, fractures, etc., may be set in an originallyimproper position. After the physician or other medical personneldetermines, for example, that the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 is configured improperly, then at least certain ones ofthe one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be positioned ordisplaced, in effect forcing the bone or joint into the desiredposition. Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 can be configured to act with the desired precision such asto ensure proper positioning or healing of the bones and/or joints ofthe individual, etc.

Certain embodiments of the connecting element 2864, as described withrespect to FIGS. 26 to 28, can be made of sufficiently strong materialsuch as a metal, plastic, fiberglass, composite, etc., such as torelatively secure and/or position the at least one contour conformingportion 2862. As such, certain embodiments of the stabilizing device2860, including the contour conforming portion 2862 and/or theconnecting element 2864, can be quite rigid and can effectivelystabilize different portions of the body portion such as an arm, spine,or leg, for example. Certain embodiments of the stabilizing device 2860,including the contour conforming portion 2862 and/or the connectingelement 2864 can also be constructed and/or designed to be relativelylight, and thereby limit excessive force having to be applied by theindividual (human or animal) in having to carry the stabilizing deviceabout. As such, certain embodiments of the stabilizing device 2860 canbe configured to act as and/or stabilize the individual in a similarmanner as a conventional cast, but living can be made considerablyeasier for those who have to wear the stabilizing device 2860.

The amount of stabilization of the bone and/or joint being stabilizedcan effect the design of certain embodiments of the stabilizing device2860. Consider, for example, that FIG. 28 shows a briefer stabilizingdevice 2860 than that of FIG. 26, and as such might be appropriatelyapplied to a less severe wound or injury, or one in an area that iseasier to support.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the stabilizing device 2860 can beconfigured or act as a brace as described with respect to FIG. 29,instead of a rigid cast, for example. Certain embodiments of thestabilizing device 2860 can be designed or improved to deal with aparticular stabilization of the individual. As such, certain embodimentsof the connecting element 2864 can be configured as strap members, etc.,instead of as solid frame members, etc. Those skilled in the orthopedicand/or surgical arts will understand the variety of embodiments of thestabilizing device 2860 that can be applied to a variety of individualsfor particular purposes.

The embodiments of the stabilizing device 2860, as described withrespect to FIGS. 26 to 29, can be configured to be applied toindividuals in a hospital, nursing home, clinic, etc.; or alternatelycan be configured to be applied to individuals at home, capable oftraveling outside, etc. As such, certain embodiments of the stabilizingdevice 2860 (which itself can be considered an embodiment of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100), can be configured to beintegrated into or act as an accessory to other embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described with respectto FIGS. 1 to 25, for example. As such, certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that are configured ascasts, braces, traction, etc., can be integrated as a portion of anotherembodiment of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that isconfigured as a hospital bed, stretcher, operating table, etc., asdescribed in this disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to provide a time dynamic quality to how pressure isapplied to various points in the body from the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. For example, consider a patient being situatedon a bed, such that certain of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102can be configured to support more pressure and/or weight of theindividual than others, (pelvis and right shoulder). After a period oftime the primary sites of support may, for example, be shifted to otherregions (such as the left shoulder and thighs). Thus, there may besituations when certain sites in the body may be exposed to reduced orvarying amounts of pressure for therapeutic, healing, or other reasons.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured to assist in such illustrative conditions as thereduction of the formation of blood clots in the veins of the legs(known as Deep Venous Thrombus, or DVT). For example, certainembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be displaceable to provide a“rhythm wave” or other similar motions under the legs, which has beenshown to induce movement of venous blood back towards the heart. Thismotion of certain of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 wouldreduce the risk of venous stasis (blood pooling in the legs) and thepotential subsequent formation of blood clots. Such formation of bloodclots can be life threatening or debilitating due to the fact that theycan migrate to the lungs after their formation and can cause seriouspulmonary complications and/or death.

There are a variety of mechanisms that can be used to determine how toposition the displaceable contour unit(s) 102. FIG. 30 shows anembodiment of a contour detector 3028, which can be used to determine acontour of the individual. During operation, the individual can moveinto physical contact with and/or displace at least certain ones of anarray of pegs 3030, or vice versa. Based, at least in part on thecontour of the individual, at least certain ones of the array of pegs3030 can be displaced to reflect the contour. Each peg 3030 can bespring biased, and can include displacement sensor (not shown) to detectthe displacement of the pegs. Certain embodiments of the detectionsensor can include a mechanical displacement sensor such as a viewablescale, an electromechanical displacement sensor, a computerizeddisplacement sensor, a controllable displacement sensor, an opticaldisplacement sensor, and/or other suitable displacement sensors such asto determine the displacements of the pegs 3030 across the array.

FIG. 30, for example, illustrates one embodiment of the contour detector3028 formed from a number of pegs 3030 that can be applied to theindividual 106. Certain embodiments of the pegs 3030 can be springbiased, while other embodiments may not be. As the peg-based embodimentof the contour detector 3028 is generally biased against the individual106, those pegs 3030 that come in contact with the individual 106 willbe displaced by a distance substantially corresponding to theconfiguration of the individual 106 at the location of the peg. Certainembodiments of the contour detector 3028 are configured withdisplacement qualifiers 706, which may detect the displacement of thepeg as it comes in contact with the individual 106. Based at leastpartially upon the displacement of the pegs 3030 upon contact with theindividual 106, certain embodiments of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 can be displaced at a corresponding distance within certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. Suchdisplacement can utilize a variety of mechanical, electromechanical,electronic, wireless, processor-based, computer-based, mote-based, orother suitable mechanism. As such, the placement of certain embodimentsof the one more displaceable contouring unit(s) as described withrespect to FIGS. 1 to 29 can be derived at least in part based on adetermination of the contour and certain embodiments of the contourdetector 3028 as described with respect to FIG. 30.

Another embodiment of the contour detector 3028 can include anelectromagnetic radiation distance detector 3050, by which a scan of theindividual can be utilized to determine the shape and/or contour of theindividual. Certain embodiments of the electromagnetic radiationdistance detector 3050 can operate at least partially by reflecting,deflecting, or otherwise returning an original set of beams off theindividual at the location of the contour, and by determining the timefor each one of the set of beams to return. The distance to that portionof the contour (and thereby the contour itself) of the at least aportion of the individual can be determined at least in part by thedetermining the time for each one of the set of beams to return.

By using the different embodiments of the contour detector 3028, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 30 and 31, to determine the contour ofthe individual; the position of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 canthereupon be adjusted at least based in part on the contour. Consider,for example, that each hospital or nursing home can include at least onecontour detector, at least certain ones of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be adjusted to at least partially conformto the contour of the individual. As such, at least some medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 such as hospital beds, operatingtables, casts, braces, etc. can be contoured according to the contour ofat least a portion of each respective individual.

It may, therefore, be desirable to approximate the relative positioningof certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 to substantially conform to, or mirror, a content of theindividual 106 in that region. For example, a portion of the one moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that are intended to be configuredto support the torso of the individual 106 might be expected to bedisplaced to substantially conform to the content of the torso of theindividual 106. A variety of embodiments of a contour detector 3028 arenow described with respect to FIGS. 30 to 31.

FIG. 30 therefore can show an embodiment of the contour detector 3028that can include an array of spring-biased pegs 3030, that can be biasedagainst the portion of the individual 106, and can indicate the biasingforce of spring biased pegs as well as the deflection of the springbiased pegs. By determining the deflection of, in combination with theforce as applied to, the spring biased pegs 3030, it came be determinedhow much each spring biased pegs should be deflected to limit therelative force applied to corresponding ones of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102.

There are a variety of other embodiments of the contour detector 3028that can be utilized to determine the contour of at least a portion ofthe individual 106, and thereby determine suitable displacement of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102. For example, FIG. 31 shows anotherembodiment of the contour detector 3028 that emits electromagneticradiation of certain suitable types, and based on reflectance or otherdistortion of the electromagnetic radiation from the individual 106, candetermine the a contour image of the at least a portion of theindividual. Examples of the electromagnetic radiation that can beutilized to include, but not limited to, sound, light, infrared,ultraviolet, visible light, etc. Certain embodiments of the contourdetector 3028 can be array-based, and as such can transmit and receivethe electromagnetic radiation at a limited area of the individual 106.The configuration and/or dimensions of the array configurationrepresents a design choice, which should not be limiting.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism canalso be configured to be operated manually, such that a person canadjust the relative position of the one or more displaceable contourunit(s) 102 to contour to the individual. Such adjustments can also beautomated, such as by those displaceable contour unit(s) that areexperiencing a considerably greater pressure than others (as theindividual rests thereupon) perhaps being moved away from the individualcompared to the others, such as to reduce pressure differentials acrossmultiple displacement contour unit(s) 102, for example. Suchpressure-sensitive positional-adjustments of the displaceable contourunit(s) can be performed as frequently or infrequently as desired, andcan, for example, allow adaptation to the contour of the individual asthe individual rolls or moves. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplacement contouring controller can be used to adjust the positionsof displaceable contour unit(s) 102.

FIG. 32 shows another embodiment of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 including the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 that can be configured as a wheelchair. As illustrated in FIG. 32,certain ones of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 maybe displaced, either such that certain ones of the conformable portion508 provide a contoured support for the appropriate body portion of theindividual, or alternately such that certain ones of the stabilizationsurfaces can limit motion of the individual in that direction. Forexample, as described with respect to FIG. 32, those portions of the oneor more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that are under theindividual will likely be relatively displaced to adjust to the contourof the individual, and thereby limit excessive pressure, pressurepoints, formation of blisters or bed sores, etc., that may resulttherefrom.

Certain of those one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 thatare to the right of the wheelchair medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, as described with respect to FIG. 32, are illustrated intheir raised position, and as such will provide the stabilizationsurface 1302 to limit excessive or undesired lateral motion in thatdirection by the individual. In addition, certain embodiments of thestabilization surface can be configured to cushion against impact by theindividual in that direction. For ease of illustration, thoseembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to the left inFIG. 32 that could be raised to provide the stabilization surface 1302are not illustrated in their raised position, for ease of illustration.

While this disclosure describes a number of embodiments of displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 that can be displaced to conform to a contour ofa part of the individual, it is also possible that certain embodimentsof the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be constructed ofappropriate dimensions such as to conform thereto. As such, with certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 thatmay be designed for use by a particular person, it may be desirable, andindeed more economical, to fabricate the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 with multiple displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 havingdifferent dimensions, configurations, spring factors, characteristics,etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, such as the wheelchair embodiment as described with respect to FIG.32, can be configured to such each one of the conformable portion 508that comes in contact with the individual can apply a force in adirection substantially corresponding to the axis of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. As such, the individual will not feel “wedged”between certain parts of the material of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102, and instead will likely feel strongly supported. Bymaintaining this uniform support of the individual within certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100,certain stresses and/or forces that may be applied to bones, joints,skin, organs, etc. by such embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 as a wheelchair may be limited.

There can be a variety of configurations of the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102, as described in this disclosure. For example,certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 caninclude a unit displacement portion 3502, as described with respect toFIG. 33. Consider, for example, that certain embodiments of the unitdisplacement portion 3502 can provide structural support for thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102, and can even be displaced upwardlyor downwardly using such illustrative mechanisms as a rack and pinion,telescoping member, fluid actuated element, hydraulic element, pneumaticelement, etc. As such, certain embodiments of the stabilization surface1302 may not extend uniformly for the entire length of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 (as described with respect to FIG. 13 and otherlocations, for example). Instead, only those portions of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 which comes in contact with theindividual may be configured as the stabilization surface 1302, asdescribed in this disclosure. By comparison, other portions of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 may be provided with a suitablyfunctional embodiment of the unit displacement portion 3502.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 that donot include the stabilization surface 1302 may still be provided withcertain embodiments of the unit displacement portion 3502. For instance,as described with respect to FIG. 34, certain embodiments of theconformable portion 508 (which may be pivotable or not) may attach tothe unit displacement portion 3502 either directly or via the jointmember 516. As such, the complexity and/or associated expense of certainembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be variedamong certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 caninclude the conformable portion 508 which can be configured either asonly the conformable portion, or a combination of the conformableportion and the stabilization surface 1302. The embodiment of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as described with respect to FIGS.35 and 36 can include the unit displacement portion 3502 which isconfigured in the shape of a “J”, as well as drive rollers 3504, and astop 3506. The embodiment of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102when in its lowered position, as described with respect to FIG. 35, canbe displaced slightly upwardly or downwardly by the drive rollers 3504such as to conform somewhat to the contours of the individual, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, and other locations. During thisinitial displacement, the conformable portion 508 to remainsubstantially parallel to its original orientation.

As the drive rollers 3504 continue to drive the unit displacementportion 3502 upwardly, the drive rollers encounter the curved portion ofthe unit displacement portion 3502. As such, the unit displacementportion 3502, as well as the connected conformable portion 508, isrotated through a desired angle (e.g., 90°), such as to be able tocontact the individual from another angle, for example. Consider thatthis surface that is configured as the conformable portion 508 can bealternately configured as the stabilizing portion 1302, since it canstabilize against lateral motion of the individual in the directionopposed by the conformable portion 508.

There may be a variety of configurations for certain embodiments of theunit displacement portion 3502, and the associated elements, asdescribed in this disclosure. For example, the embodiment of the unitdisplacement portion 3502 as described with respect to FIGS. 33 and 34are rod-like; while the embodiment of the unit displacement portion 3502as described with respect to FIGS. 35 and 36 are bar-like. Theparticular configuration of the unit displacement portion 3502represents a design choice, and may be factored by such considerationsas applied stresses, appearance, function, applied force, operativecharacteristics, etc.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, as described with respect to FIG. 37, can include a number of linkportions 3702 that allows positioning of certain displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 such as to conform to the contour of the individual. Certainembodiments of the link portions 3702 can include, but not limited to, alink 3703, a hinge 3704, a link angle control 3706, and one or more ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102. Certain embodiments of the link3703 can be configured to provide a mounting surface for the respectivedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 associated with that link. Certainembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be connectedto the link 3703 using, for example, the connector portion 516 canthereby allow relative pivoting motion of the conformable portion 508,as also described in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 8, and otherlocations in this disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the hinge 3704, for example, can be configured toallow relative rotation of adjacent link portions 3702. As such, certainembodiments of the links 3703 (as well as the respective link portions3702) can be configured to approximately follow the contour of theindividual 106, as described with respect to FIG. 38, based at least inpart on the displacement in the hinge(s) 3704. In certain embodiments,each hinge 3704 can have one of its respective hinge portions beattached to its respective links 3703, thereby allowing relative topivoting about the hinge 3704 of the respective links 3703, as well asthe respective link portions 3702.

Certain embodiments of the link angle control 3706 can be associatedwith the respective hinge 3704; and can be configured to control theposition and/or motion of its respective hinge 3704. Certain embodimentsof the link angle control 3706 can be mechanical-based,electrical-based, electromechanical-based, computer-based,controller-based, and/or a variety of configurations. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97, asdescribed in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 4, can include and/orprovide the operations of the link angle control 3706. Certainembodiments of the link angle control 3706 can be mechanicallyratchet-based, such as to allow rotation in one angular direction ofeach respective link portion 3702, while limiting rotation in thereverse direction. As such, certain embodiments of the link anglecontrol 3706 can allow at least a portion of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 to be rotated about the individual, and remainin position relative to the individual. While in this position, certainones of the conformable portion 508 can be biased at a desired angleagainst the individual 106, in such manner as to provide support to,and/or stabilize, at least a portion of the individual considering thecontour of that individual.

Certain embodiments of the link angle control can be automated, such asto be able to secure the individual 106 in such a manner that each ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 is positioned correctly and/orconfigured to apply a suitable distributed pressure. In certainembodiments, the position of each displaceable contouring unit(s) 102can be modified somewhat (e.g., if the individual is being rolled over).

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured, positioned, and/or operated by medical assistantand/or technician who are assisting the position, for example. Consideran operating room scenario, in which the individual 106 such as apatient is brought into the operating room, and moved onto the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. In certain instances, theindividual 106 can be anesthetized, and then the medical assistantand/or technician can position the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 suitably based upon the desired operation. During certaintimes, the individual maybe repositioned, such as may be the case if thephysician wants to access the back or side of the individual. Duringthese periods, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be rotated, or positioned, suitably toallow the desired access to the individual.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100can be configured such that their displaceable contouring unit(s) 102are suitably directed or positioned such as to provide suitable supportand stabilization to at least portions of the individual during theirpotential repositioning and/or rotation that may occur during anoperation.

FIGS. 39 and 40 show an embodiment of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 configured, for example, as an operating table,hospital bed, stretcher, ambulance stretcher, ski-toboggan, search andrescue, etc., which includes a number of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 as attached to respective link portions 3702, as describedwith respect to FIGS. 37 and 38. A number of link portions can beincluded in a link frame portion 3804, and a number of link frameportions 3804 may be secured to at least one connecting table frame3806. Certain embodiments of the connecting table frame may act torelatively secure as well as position the link frame portions 3804 (andthe associated displaceable contouring unit(s) 102) such that they cantogether act to provide support and/or stabilization to at leastportions of the individual, and thereby act as the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 as set forth in this disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the link frame portion 3804 can be configured toact manually, such that the operating room attendant, or other person,can act to displace the link frame portion 3804, as connected by thehinges 3704, and controlled by the link angle control 3706. In certaininstances, for example, after the patient is anesthetized, then perhapssuccessive ones of the link frame portion 3804 can be displaced intoposition (e.g., at least partially around the individual 106). Ininstances where it is important to secure the individual well, oralternately position the individual in a number of positions such asduring an operation or procedure, then perhaps more link frame portions3804 can be secured. In certain instances, a fastener (not shown) can beattached to opposed ends of each link frame portion 3804, such as toallow the ends to be secured, and thereby limit the stresses that may beapplied to the link frame portion 3804 if the ends are not attached.

The configuration of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100including a number of the link frame portion 3804, as described withrespect to FIGS. 39 and 40, can be utilized for a variety ofillustrative but not limiting applications such as ambulances,stretchers, ski patrols, search and rescue, hospital beds, operatingtables, etc. Certain ones of these embodiments can support, stabilize,and/or secure the individual relatively well to provide transfer of theindividual to some appropriate location and/or provide a suitabletreatment.

If it is desired to expose certain portions of the individual 106 suchas during an operation, then certain embodiments of the link frameportion 3804 can be shortened, modified, and/or at least partiallyremoved. As such, by not extending the full distance around theindividual 106, an access port as described in this disclosure can becreated as described in this disclosure. Therefore, certain embodimentsof the link frame portion 3804 of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can be readily modified prior to or during use, such as toprovide the desired configuration of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102 with respect to the individual.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, as described with respect to FIGS. 39 and 40, can include a tablesupport/motion provider 3810 that can displace the at least oneconnecting table frame 3806, or other desired member, to suitablyreposition the individual 106 (shown schematically) within the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, as desired. For example, duringoperations or procedures, it may be desired to access different portionsof the individual 106. By allowing the table support/motion provider3810 that can reposition the individual, such processes as rolling theindividual over, positioning the individual in different positions, ortransferring the individual (each of which can hurt the individual aswell as the person moving or rolling the individual) can be limited.

2. CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE MEDICAL DISPLACEABLE CONTOURING CONTROLLER

This disclosure describes a number of embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring controller 97 as described with respect to FIG.4, which is intended to control at least some of the operations ofcertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can include the medical displaceable contouring controller97; while other embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism may not include utilizing certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring support controller. For instance, certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100including the medical displaceable contouring controller 97, which canbe largely microprocessor-based, and can provide for largely automatedoperation or assembly of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100. By comparison, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 can be operated utilizing largely manualtechniques, and may not utilize the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97. FIG. 4 thereby shows a block diagram of certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 thatcan include the medical displaceable contouring controller 97.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100thereby can include, but is not limited to, any particular configurationof the medical displaceable contouring controller 97. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97 can becomputer based, controller based, mote based, cellular telephone-based,electrical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, and/or electronics based.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controllercan be segmented into modules or network nodes, and can utilize avariety of wireless communications and/or networking technologies toallow information, data, etc. to be transferred to the various distinctportions or embodiments to perform, a variety of operations associatedwith of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. Certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97 can beconfigured as a unitary, combined, or stand-alone device.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97can vary as to their automation, complexity, and/or sophistication; andcan be utilized to control, setup, establish, and/or maintaincommunications between a number of displaceable contouring unit(s) 102.As described within this disclosure, multiple ones of the differentembodiments of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 within themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can transfer informationor data relating to the communication link to or from a remote locationand/or some intermediate device as might be associated withcommunication, monitoring and/or other activities.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97can be configured to contain information about the individual as well astheir contour. Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 can allow for the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 to be displaced as appropriate to compensate for theacceleration and/or forces applied to the individual such as duringtravel, as described in this disclosure. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 can allow for thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to be displaced as appropriate tocompensate for the portion of the individual that is exposed togravitational forces based at least in part on some sensed or determinedposition of the individual relative to the gravitational pull. Suchillustrative but not-limiting mechanisms as gyroscopes, globalpositioning system (GPS), inertial units, pendulum indicators, as wellas a general indication by a technician as to which direction is “down”relative to gravity can be used by different embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 as to determine which directionthe individual is directed. The more complex gyroscopic systems, globalpositioning systems (GPS), and/or inertial unit systems may be used, forexample, with vehicular travel or mobile embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. The more straight forward(technician indicated) systems may be used by stationary embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the contour detector 3028, as described relativeto FIGS. 30 and 31 and elsewhere through the disclosure, may utilizecertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97as described with respect to FIG. 4 for controlling at least some of itsoperations. For example, in FIG. 30 the deflection of the pegs 3030within the contour detector 3029 can be detected.

By comparison, certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 can sense pressures being applied acrosscertain of the displaceable contour unit(s) 102 using pressure sensors(not shown), and thereupon displace the higher-pressure displaceablecontour unit(s) away from at least certain parts of individuals relativeto lower-pressure displaceable contour unit(s), such as to reducepressure differential between multiple displaceable contour unit(s).Such relative displacement of the displaceable contour unit(s) 102 canbe performed on a real-time basis as to conform to changing contoursand/or positions of the individual, or alternately on a one-time basisas to improve the contouring of the displaceable contour unit(s) 102 tothe individual.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller97, as well as certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 (in general), can utilize distinct firmware,hardware, and/or software technology. For example, mote-basedtechnology, microprocessor-based technology, microcomputer-basedtechnology, general-purpose computer technology, specific-purposecomputer technology, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, and/or avariety of other computer technologies can be utilized for certainembodiments of at least a portion of the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97, as well as be included in certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97can as described with respect to FIG. 4 can include a processor 803 suchas a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 807, a circuit or circuitportion 809, and an input output interface (I/O) 811 that may include abus (not shown). Certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 can include and/or be a portion of a general-purposecomputer, a specific-purpose computer, a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a personal display assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, adigital phone, a wireless communicating device, a hard-wired phone,and/or any other known suitable type of communications device, computer,and/or controller that can be implemented in hardware, software,electromechanical devices, and/or firmware. Certain embodiments of theprocessor 803, as described with respect to FIG. 4, can perform theprocessing and arithmetic operations for certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 can control the signal processing,database querying and response, computational, timing, data transfer,and other processes associated with certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring controller 97 of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the memory 807 of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 can include a random access memory (RAM) and/orread only memory (ROM) that together can store the computer programs,operands, and other parameters that control the operation of certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97 of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. The memory 807 can beconfigurable to contain information obtained, retained, or captured bythat particular medical displaceable contouring controller 97 of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the bus can be configurable to provide fordigital information transmissions between the processor 803, circuits809, memory 807, I/O 811, and/or the image memory or storage device(which may be integrated or removable). In this disclosure, the memory807 can be configurable as RAM, flash memory, semiconductor-basedmemory, of any other type of memory that can be configurable to storedata pertaining to images. The bus also connects I/O 811 to the portionsof certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller97 of either the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 that caneither receive digital information from, or transmit digital informationto other portions of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100,or other systems and/or networking components associated therewith.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, as described withrespect to FIG. 4, can include a transmitter portion (not shown) thatcan be either included as a portion of certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. Certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 can alternately beprovided as a separate unit (e.g., microprocessor-based). In certainembodiments, the transmitter portion can transmit image informationbetween certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97 of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described withrespect to FIG. 4 can include an operation altering portion (not shown)that can be either included as a portion of certain embodiments of themedical displaceable contouring controller 97 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, or alternately can be provided asa separate unit (e.g., microprocessor-based).

Certain embodiments of the memory 807 can provide one example of amemory storage portion. In certain embodiments, the monitored valueincludes but is not limited to: a percentage of the memory 807, anindication of data that is or can be stored in the memory 807, or fordata storage or recording interval. To provide for overflow ability forthe memory 807 of certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, a secondary storage device can be operably coupled to thememory 807 to allow a controllable transmitting of memory data fromcertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 when the monitoredvalue of data or other information within the memory 807 exceeds aprescribed value. The prescribed value can include, e.g., somepercentage amount or some actual amount of the value.

In certain embodiments, a secondary communication link can beestablished between the certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring controller 97 of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100. The secondary communication link can be structured in asimilar manner as, or indeed act as, a communication link; oralternatively can utilize network-based computer connections, Internetconnections, etc. to provide information and/or data transfer betweencertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100.

In certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller97 of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, the particularelements of certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97 of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100(e.g., the processor 803, the memory 807, the circuits 809, and/or theI/O 811) can provide a monitoring function to convert raw data asdisplayed by an indicator. A monitoring function as provided by certainembodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97 of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be compared to aprescribed limit, such as whether the amount of information or dataabout positioning and/or contour contained in the memory 807, or someother measure relating to the memory is approaching some value. Thelimits to the value can, in different embodiments, be controlled by theuser or the manufacturer of certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring controller 97 of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100. In certain embodiments, the memory 807 canstore but should not be limited to such information as: data,information, displayable information, readable text, motion images,video images, and/or audio images, etc.

In certain embodiments, the I/O 811 provides an interface to control thetransmissions of digital information between each of the components incertain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring controller 97of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100. The I/O 811 alsoprovides an interface between the components of certain embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring controller 97 of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. The circuits 809 can include suchother user interface devices as a display and/or a keyboard. In otherembodiments, the medical displaceable contouring controller 97 of themedical displaceable contouring mechanism 100 can be constructed as aspecific-purpose computer such as an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or other similardevices.

Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 can be configured to be displaced or positioned using a variety oftechniques. In certain embodiments, for example, the one or moredisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be displaced to a distancecorresponding to a contour of the individual 106. Such contour can bedetected physically, such as by applying a number of mechanical orelectromechanical contacts against the individual (which may be springbiased against the contact), and determining how much they havedeflected. In another embodiment, certain non-contact sensors such aselectromagnetic contour sensors or arrayed distance sensors can beutilized to detect the contour of at least a portion of the individual,such as their skin.

Certain embodiments of the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s)102 can be displaced against the individual 106 until a sensed pressureis sensed as being applied to the individual. As such, a number of theone or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be sequentiallyapplied to a desired pressure, the position noted, then retracted. Eachof the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can thereupon bereturned to the original position, which should thereby approximate thecontour of the individual. This technique assumes that the individual isnot moving between subsequent extensions and/or retractions.

As such, various embodiments of the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100 and/or the medical displaceable contouring controller 97can be configured utilizing relatively complex or simple computer and/orcontroller technology. As computer and/or controller technology evolves,it is intended that certain embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100 and/or the medical displaceable contouringcontroller 97 can be modified or adapted to utilize the modifyingtechnology.

Certain embodiments of the contour detector 3028, as described withrespect to FIGS. 30 and/or 31 can be fully computerized (e.g. beautomated) or at least partially utilize a computer to deriveposition-related information. Certain embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100 as described with respect to FIGS.1 to 29 can utilize the position-related information to position, ordetermine positioning, of the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102. In certain embodiments, the one or more displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 can be automated to be displaced to a position atleast partially based on the received position-related information. Incertain embodiments, the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102can be manually positioned such as by displayed or derivedposition-related information. For example, each of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 outside a specific region will not be contactedby the individual 106, and thereby can be extended or otherwisedisplaced into a suitable position such as to stabilize the individual.

The embodiments of medical displaceable contouring controller 97 that isassociated with the one or more displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 canbe the same as, or different, from that which is associated with thecontour detector 3028. Networking and/or separated controller techniquescan be utilized to control the one or more displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 based at least in part on position information derived fromthe contour detector 3028, as described in this disclosure.

3. CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE MEDICAL DISPLACEABLE CONTOURING MECHANISMAS WELL AS THE MEDICAL DISPLACEABLE CONTOURING SUPPORT CONTROLLER WITHRELEVANT FLOWCHARTS

Within the disclosure, flow charts of the type described in thisdisclosure apply to method steps as performed by a computer orcontroller. The flow charts can also apply to apparatus devices, such asan antenna or a node associated therewith that can include, e.g., ageneral-purpose computer or specialized-purpose computer whose structurealong with the software, firmware, electro-mechanical devices, and/orhardware, can perform the process or technique described in the flowchart.

FIG. 43 shows one embodiment of one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 which may be configured similarly as described inthe embodiments of this disclosure.

One embodiment of a high-level flowchart of a medical pressure reductiontechnique 2000 is described with respect to FIG. 44 and can include, butis not limited to, operation 2002 and optional operation 2004. Thehigh-level flow chart of FIG. 44 should be considered in combinationwith the embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, as described with respect to FIG. 43. One embodiment of operation2002 can include, but is not limited to, reducing a pressuredifferential across one or more supporting surfaces of a body surface ofan individual at least partially by displacing at least one displaceablecontouring unit to at least partially conform to one or more contours ofthe body surface of the individual. For example, certain embodiments ofthe one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, as describedwith respect to FIGS. 1 to 29 of this disclosure, can become configuredto be displaced to reduce a pressure differential across one or more ofthe supporting surfaces of the body surface. In certain embodiments, thebody surface can include a human, and animal, or an organism. Oneembodiment of optional operation 2004 can include, but is not limitedto, stabilizing at least the one or more supporting surfaces of the bodysurface of the individual at least partially with at least one of the atleast one displaceable contouring unit. For example, certain embodimentsof the at least one displaceable contouring unit as described in thisdisclosure can be configured to stabilize at least a portion of theindividual 106 such as with a cast, a traction mechanism, a portion thatcan limit lateral motion of the individual in a medical bed or on anoperating table, etc. The order of the operations, methods, mechanisms,etc. as described with respect to FIG. 44 is intended to be illustrativein nature, and not limited in scope.

FIG. 45 shows one embodiment of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 which may be configured similarly as described inthe embodiments of this disclosure.

One embodiment of a high-level flowchart of a medical pressure reductiontechnique 2100 is described with respect to FIG. 46 and can include, butis not limited to, operation 2102 and optional operations 2104, 2106,and/or 2108. The high-level flow chart of FIG. 46 should be consideredin combination with the embodiments of the medical displaceablecontouring mechanism 100, as described with respect to FIG. 45. Oneembodiment of operation 2102 can include, but is not limited to,relatively displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit withrespect to a medical device portion based at least in part on a contourof an individual to support at least a portion of the individual whilelimiting pressure applied to the individual. For example, certainembodiments of the one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102 can be relatively displaced respect to a medical device portionbased at least in part on a contour of the individual to support atleast a portion of the individual 106 while limiting pressure applied tothe individual. For example, certain embodiments of the one or more ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 can be positioned relative to anindividual within a medical bed, a cast, a splint, a brace, etc. Oneembodiment of optional operation 2104 can include, but is not limitedto, stabilizing the at least the portion of the individual by displacingat least one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit. Forexample, displacing the one or more of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 into a position that can be used to stabilize theindividual. One embodiment of optional operation 2106 can include, butis not limited to, limiting pressure differences as applied frommultiple ones of the at least one displaceable contouring unit acrossthe at least the portion of the individual. For example, limitingpressure differences (that can create pressure points) as applied by theone or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 across the atleast the portion of the individual. One embodiment of operation 2108can include, but is not limited to, providing an access to theindividual characterized by an absence of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit. For example, establishing an access port by configuringor positioning the one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s)102, such as to allow access to the individual. The order of theoperations, methods, mechanisms, etc. as described with respect to FIG.46 is intended to be illustrative in nature, and not limited in scope.

FIG. 47 shows one embodiment of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 which may be configured similarly as described inthe embodiments of this disclosure.

One embodiment of a high-level flowchart of a medical pressure reductiontechnique 2200 is described with respect to FIG. 48 (including FIGS. 48a and 48 b) and can include, but is not limited to, operation 2202 andoptional operations 2204, 2206, 2208, 2210, 2212, 2214, 2216, 2218,and/or 2220. The high-level flow chart of FIG. 48 (including FIGS. 48 aand 48 b) should be considered in combination with the embodiments ofthe medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100, as described withrespect to FIG. 47. One embodiment of operation 2202 can include, but isnot limited to, displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit tolimit pressure differences as applied to at least a portion of anindividual, wherein blood circulation in the individual can be improvedat least partially in response to the displacing the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit. For example, certain embodiments of theone or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as described withrespect to FIGS. 1-29 can be configured to be displaced to limitpressure differences as applied to at least a portion of the individual,such as to limit pressure points, etc. One embodiment of optionaloperation 2204 can include, but is not limited to, positioning an atleast a first one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit whichcan limit a pressure being applied to the at least the portion of theindividual by the at least the first one of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit relative to at least one other unit. Forexample, positioning different ones of the one or more of thedisplaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as to apply different pressures tothe individual, based at least in part on where the different ones ofthe one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) are being appliedto the individual. One embodiment of optional operation 2206 caninclude, but is not limited to, positioning the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit to stabilize the at least the portion ofthe individual. For example, positioning different ones of the one ormore of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 in a first directionwhich does not correspond to a second direction at which the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism supports the individual, or in thecast configuration in which the first direction may correspond to thesecond direction. One embodiment of optional operation 2208 can include,but is not limited to, positioning the at least one displaceablecontouring unit to maintain a patient in a statically immobile position,thereby limiting pressure applied to pressure points or sensitive areas.For example, configuring the one or more of the displaceable contouringunit(s) 102 as to limit pressure applied to pressure points or sensitiveareas (e.g., face, eyes, genitals, woman's breasts, that may even beinjured or hurt during operations). One embodiment of optional operation2210 can include, but is not limited to, physically separating the atleast one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit from theindividual to allow access to at least a surface region of theindividual. For example, positioning the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 such as to create an access port, by which aphysician or other person can gain access to at least a portion of theindividual. One embodiment of optional operation 2212 can include, butis not limited to, applying a first pressure to the individual in afirst direction at least partially with a first one of the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit, and applying a second pressure to theindividual in a second direction at least partially using a second oneof the at least one displaceable contouring unit, wherein the firstdirection is substantially parallel to the second direction. Forexample, applying different ones of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 to be substantially parallel to each other. Oneembodiment of optional operation 2214 can include, but is not limitedto, applying a first pressure to the individual in a first direction atleast partially with a first one of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit, and applying a second pressure to the individual in asecond direction at least partially using a second one of the at leastone displaceable contouring unit, wherein the first direction is at anangle to the second direction. For example, applying different ones ofthe one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 to be at anangle to each other. One embodiment of optional operation 2216 caninclude, but is not limited to, positioning the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit relative to a medical displaceablecontouring mechanism, wherein the at least one displaceable contouringunit can limit uneven pressure applied between the at least onedisplaceable contouring unit relative to the at least the portion of theindividual. For example, positioning the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 relative to the medical displaceable contouringmechanism 100, as described in this disclosure. One embodiment ofoptional operation 2218 can include, but is not limited to, inflating ordeflating at least one of the at least one displaceable contouring unitto extend or retract the at least one of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit. For example, inflating or deflating the one or more ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102, as described with respect toFIG. 9. One embodiment of optional operation 2220 can include, but isnot limited to, wherein at least one of the at least one displaceablecontouring unit can be deformed to apply a pressure against theindividual. For example, deforming the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102. The order of the operations, methods,mechanisms, etc. as described with respect to FIG. 48 (including FIGS.48 a and 48 b) is intended to be illustrative in nature, and not limitedin scope.

FIG. 49 shows one embodiment of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 which may be configured similarly as described inthe embodiments of this disclosure.

One embodiment of a high-level flowchart of a medical pressure reductiontechnique 2300 is described with respect to FIG. 50 and can include, butis not limited to, operation 2302. The high-level flow chart of FIG. 50should be considered in combination with the embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, as described with respect to FIG.49. One embodiment of operation 2302 can include, but is not limited to,stabilizing at least part of an individual in a statically immobileposition at least partially using displacement of at least onedisplaceable contouring unit. For example, maintaining the individual inthe statically immobile position at least partially by limitingapplication of uneven forces (beyond a prescribed limit) to differentones of the one or more of the displaceable contouring unit(s) 102.Certain embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism 100as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 29 can be configured toimmobilize at least a portion of the individual, such as to reducepressure on pressure points and sensitive areas. Examples of sensitiveareas can include, but are not limited to, the face, the eyes, genitals,woman's breasts. etc. and other areas that could be hurt or injured byimproper stabilization and/or support. The order of the operations,methods, mechanisms, etc. as described with respect to FIG. 50 isintended to be illustrative in nature, and not limited in scope.

FIG. 51 shows one embodiment of the one or more of the displaceablecontouring unit(s) 102 which may be configured similarly as described inthe embodiments of this disclosure.

One embodiment of a high-level flowchart of a medical pressure reductiontechnique 2400 is described with respect to FIG. 52 and can include, butis not limited to, operation 2402 and optional operation 2404. Thehigh-level flow chart of FIG. 52 should be considered in combinationwith the embodiments of the medical displaceable contouring mechanism100, as described with respect to FIG. 51. One embodiment of operation2402 can include, but is not limited to, determining a contour of atleast a portion of an individual. For example, using the contourdeterminer 3028, certain embodiments of which are described forillustrative but not limiting purposes with respect to FIGS. 30 and 31,to determine a contour of at least a portion of an individual such as aperson, an animal, or an organism. One embodiment of operation 2404 caninclude, but is not limited to, relatively displacing at least onedisplaceable contouring unit to conform at least in part to the contourof the individual, wherein, when the at least one displaceablecontouring unit supports the at least the portion of the individual,pressure being applied against the at least the portion of theindividual can be limited. For example, displacing the one or more ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 29, for example, to conform to the at least the portion ofthe individual, which contour has been determined by the contourdeterminer 3028. The order of the operations, methods, mechanisms, etc.as described with respect to FIG. 52 is intended to be illustrative innature, and not limited in scope.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting theherein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming canbe virtually any combination of hardware, software, electro-mechanicalsystem, and/or firmware configurable to effect the herein-referencedmethod aspects depending upon the design choices of the system designer.

4. CONCLUSION

This disclosure provides a number of embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100. The embodiments of the medicaldisplaceable contouring mechanism 100, as well as certain embodiments ofthe displaceable contouring unit(s) 102 as described with respect tothis disclosure are intended to be illustrative in nature, and are notlimiting its scope.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the artin computer, controller, communications, networking, and other similartechnologies has progressed to the point where there is little potentialoperational distinction left between hardware, firmware, and/or softwareimplementations of aspects of systems, such as may be utilized in themedical displaceable contouring mechanism. The use of hardware,firmware, and/or software can therefore generally represent (but notalways, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware andsoftware can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate thatthere are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/orother technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle can vary withthe context in which the processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determinesthat speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer and/or designerof the medical displaceable contouring mechanism may opt for mainly ahardware and/or firmware vehicle. In alternate embodiments, ifflexibility is paramount, the implementer and/or designer may opt formainly a software implementation. In yet other embodiments, theimplementer and/or designer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible techniquesby which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologiesdescribed herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superiorto the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependentupon the context in which the vehicle can be deployed and the specificconcerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of theimplementer, any of which may vary.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links(e.g., packet links).

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications,U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applicationsand non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/orlisted in any Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein byreference, in their entireties.

It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general,that the terms used in the disclosure, including the drawings and theappended claims (and especially as used in the bodies of the appendedclaims), are generally intended as “open” terms. For example, the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”; theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; and the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to”;etc. In this disclosure and the appended claims, the terms “a”, “the”,and “at least one” positioned prior to one or more goods, items, and/orservices are intended to apply inclusively to either one or a pluralityof those goods, items, and/or services.

Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that could have A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems thatcould have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and Ctogether, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the herein-describedspecific exemplary processes and/or devices and/or technologies arerepresentative of more general processes and/or devices and/ortechnologies taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims filedherewith and/or elsewhere in the present application.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1-45. (canceled)
 46. A method, comprising: alternating an applied forceby intermittently displacing multiple contouring units along alongitudinal axis; and intermittently pivotably displacing a conformableportion of at least one of the multiple contorting units about an axisat an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
 47. The method of claim46, wherein alternating the applied force includes intermittentlydisplacing the multiple contouring units in response to a detectedpressure differential between two or more of the multiple contouringunits.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein alternating the applied forceincludes intermittently displacing in real time the multiple contouringunits in response to a detected pressure differential between two ormore of the multiple contouring units.
 49. The method of claim 46,wherein alternating the applied force includes intermittently pivotablydisplacing the conformable portion of at least one of the multiplecontorting units in response to a detected pressure differential betweentwo or more of the multiple contouring units.
 50. The method of claim46, wherein alternating the applied force includes intermittentlypivotably displacing in real time the conformable portion of at leastone of the multiple contorting units in response to a detected pressuredifferential between two or more of the multiple contouring units. 51.The method of claim 46, wherein alternating the applied force includesintermittently pivotably displacing the conformable of at least one ofthe multiple contorting units portion about a joint member coupled to arespective one of the multiple contouring units.
 52. The method of claim46, wherein alternating the applied force includes varying the appliedforce by oscillating a displacement of one or more of the multiplecontouring units.
 53. A method comprising: alternatively applying firstforce components through intermittent longitudinal displacement ofmultiple contouring units; and alternatively applying second forcecomponents through intermittent angular displacement of a conformableportion of one or more of the multiple contouring units about adirection other than that of the longitudinal displacement of thecontouring unit.
 54. An apparatus, comprising: multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units, each of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units being displaceable along a longitudinalaxis; multiple conformable portions, each of the conformable portionspivotably coupled to a different one of the multiple displaceablecontouring units, each of the conformable portions configured to pivotabout multiple axes relative to the longitudinal axis; a controlleroperably coupled to one or more of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units, the controller configured to activate alongitudinal displacement of at least one of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units; and a controller operably coupled to oneor more of the multiple conformable portions, the controller configuredto activate an angular displacement of at least one of the multipleconformable portions.
 55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein at leastone of the multiple independently displaceable contouring units isconfigured to apply a force by longitudinally displacing along alongitudinal axis and wherein at least one of the multiple conformableportions is configured to apply a force by pivotably displacing about anaxes at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
 56. The apparatus ofclaim 54, wherein one or more of the multiple conformable portions arepivotably coupled via a joint member to an independently displaceablecontouring unit.
 57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein each of themultiple conformable portions are configured to apply a force to anindividual and configured to freely pivot about multiple axes relativeto the longitudinal axis in response to the applied force.
 58. Theapparatus of claim 54, wherein the controller operably coupled to theone or more of the multiple independently displaceable contouring unitsis operably coupled to an actuator configured to displace at least oneof the multiple independently displaceable contouring units.
 59. Theapparatus of claim 54, wherein the controller operably coupled to theone or more of the multiple independently displaceable contouring unitsand the controller operably coupled to the one or more of the multipleconformable portions comprises a single controller.
 60. An apparatus,comprising: multiple independently displaceable contouring units, atleast one of the multiple independently displaceable contouring unitsslidably coupled to an adjacent one of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units, each of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units being displaceable along a longitudinalaxis; and multiple conformable portions, each of the multipleconformable portions pivotably coupled to a different one of themultiple displaceable contouring units, and each of the conformableportions configured to pivot about multiple axes relative to thelongitudinal axis in response to an applied force.
 61. The apparatus ofclaim 60, wherein the at least one of the multiple independentlydisplaceable contouring units is slidably coupled to the adjacent one ofthe multiple independently displaceable contouring units via atongue-and-grove configuration.
 62. The apparatus of claim 60, whereinone or more of the multiple conformable portions are pivotably coupledvia a joint member to an independently displaceable contouring unit. 63.The apparatus of claim 60, wherein one or more of the multipleconformable portions are pivotably coupled via a freely pivoting jointmember to an independently displaceable contouring unit.
 64. Theapparatus of claim 60, wherein the apparatus forms part of a medicalbed.
 65. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the apparatus forms part ofan operating table.
 66. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the apparatusforms part of a medical body part stabilizer.
 67. A method, comprising:modulating an applied force by actuating a longitudinal displacement ofmultiple contouring units and an angular displacement of one or moreconformable portions pivotably coupled to respective ones of thecontouring units in response to a detected pressure differential betweentwo or more contouring units in contact with an individual.
 68. Themethod of claim 67, wherein modulating the applied force includesvarying an applied force at a location on the individual by actuatingthe longitudinal displacement of at least one of the multiple contouringunits proximate the location.
 69. The method of claim 67, whereinmodulating the applied force includes sequentially displacing themultiple contouring units in response to a detected pressuredifferential between two or more contouring units in contact with theindividual.
 70. The method of claim 67, wherein modulating the appliedforce includes oscillatively displacing the multiple contouring units inresponse to a detected pressure differential between two or morecontouring units in contact with the individual.
 71. The method of claim67, wherein alternating an applied force includes alternativelydisplacing two or more of the multiple contouring units in response to adetected pressure differential between two or more contouring units incontact with the individual.